The Chicago Cubs made a qualifying offer to outfielder Dexter Fowler, the team announced.
Fowler can now accept the one-year, $15.8-million deal, or test the free-agent market. He has seven days to make up his mind.
The move ensures the Cubs will receive draft-pick compensation if Fowler signs elsewhere.
Fowler, 29, had a solid first season with the Cubs, hitting .250/.346/.411 with 17 homers and 46 RBIs in 156 games.
No player has ever accepted a qualifying offer.
