Potential Candidates for MLB Qualifying Offers Narrowed Down

As the MLB regular season comes to a close, teams are preparing for the offseason and must decide whether to extend qualifying offers to their free agents within five days after the World Series.

This year's qualifying offer is projected to be around $23.1 million, based on the average of the top 125 MLB salaries. Only players who spent the entire previous season with their current team are eligible for this offer. Those who accept gain no-trade protection until mid-June of the following year, while those who decline allow their former team to receive draft compensation if they sign elsewhere.

Currently, the number of pitchers likely to receive a qualifying offer is very limited, with only one starter expected to be offered. Notable rental starters were traded before the deadline, making them ineligible. Among the candidates, Rogers has shown potential as a reliable starter, while Morejon and Bednar are standout relievers. However, the Reds' Singer and the Diamondbacks' Soroka face challenges that may affect their eligibility for the offer.