Report: Qualifying offer increasing to $19.65M

Qualifying offers will jump from $18.4 million in 2021 to $19.65 million this offseason, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

The 2020 figure was $18.9 million.

The $19.65-million number would set a new record for the qualifying offer, which changes annually based on the average salary of the 125 highest-paid players in the league.

Teams extended qualifying offers to 14 players last winter. San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was the only one to accept.

Notable pending free agents who could receive a qualifying offer this offseason include New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner, New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, and Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu.

Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom, Giants left-hander Carlos Rodon, and Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts could also be eligible if they opt out of their current deals.

Players who receive and reject a qualifying offer become free agents. Their former teams receive draft-pick compensation if they sign a contract with a new club.