FILE - Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout during the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 16, 2023. Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell and Aaron Nola were among the 130 players who became free agents Thursday, Nov. 2, as baseball’s business season began the day following the Texas Rangers’ first World Series title.
By making a qualifying offer — the average of the top 125 contracts by average annual value — a team would receive an additional selection in next July’s amateur draft if a player signs elsewhere before then.Mark Canha’s $11.5 million option exercised by Detroit after he was acquired from MilwaukeeIn a sign of the relative weakness of the free agent class, half as many players received qualifying offers as last year.
On the last day to resolve contract options, Atlanta exercised a $20 million option on right-hander Charlie Morton, who went 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA in 30 starts and turns 40 on Nov. 12. The Braves declined options on outfielder Eddie Rosario and right-handers Collin McHugh and Kirby Yates . Rosario gets a $1 million buyout and Yates $1.25 million.for minor league pitcher Blake Holub. Milwaukee could have paid a $2 million buyout and allowed Canha to become a free agent.
Other players whose options were exercised were San Francisco right-hander Alex Cobb , Mets left-hander Brooks Raley and Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Blake Treinen .