In the least shocking news of the offseason, the Cleveland Indians are going to extend the $17.4 million qualifying offer to first baseman Carlos Santana, per Jon Heyman.
The news isn’t really a surprise, because of course they would and of course Carlos is going to deny it. The new qualifying offer rules are a little more complicated compared to previous seasons, but the rational behind extended it remains the same: If Carlos Santana declines and is signed elsewhere this offseason, the Indians get a draft pick.
Under the new Collecting Bargaining Agreement, the Indians are guaranteed a supplemental first-round draft pick — fancy lawyerin’ talk for a pick at the end of the first round of next year’s Amateur Draft.