MLB qualifying offers

Thirteen MLB free agents, including Juan Soto, Alex Bregman, and Corbin Burnes, received qualifying offers ahead of the Monday deadline, with this year's offer valued at $21.05 million. The qualifying offer serves as a competitive balance measure, allowing teams to receive compensatory draft picks if a player declines the offer and signs elsewhere. Historically, only 13 of 131 players have accepted such offers, with expectations that more players could do so this year. Bregman, despite a solid season, is likely to decline the offer but may still engage in negotiations with the Astros for a long-term deal. Soto is anticipated to reject the offer as he seeks a record contract in free agency. Players have until November 19 to accept the offers, which could impact their market value significantly.