"A part of the recent run of league-wide news was the list of players who were tendered with the qualifying offer upon their classification as a free agent. A total of 13 players were given the roughly $22 million offer for the 2026 season prior to Thursday afternoon's deadline to do so, meaning they will net their former team a compensatory draft pick should they depart for greener pastures and sign with a different club."
"A man who was notably not in that baker's dozen worth of players was Red Sox right-handed starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, who bounced back from a long-term injury by posting a 3.41 ERA and 120 ERA+ (20% better than league average; not bad for your number three in the rotation) across 145 innings in 2025. In spite of that solid line on the surface, I'm thankful that the qualifying offer was not extended to Giolito."
The MLB offseason moved quickly after a dramatic World Series, with teams making roster decisions such as Shota Imanaga's departure, Alex Bregman's opt-out, and Trevor Story's opt-in. Thirteen players received the roughly $22 million qualifying offer for 2026, guaranteeing compensatory draft picks if they sign elsewhere, including Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, and Bo Bichette. Lucas Giolito was not given a qualifying offer despite a 3.41 ERA, 120 ERA+ and 145 innings in 2025. The lack of an offer reflects a business decision balancing performance, roster construction, and financial considerations, even when personal affinity exists.
Read at Over the Monster
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