[Great article](https://www.mlb.com/news/predicting-2023-24-mlb-qualifying-offer-decisions) by Mike Pertiello worth a read. This may be the first year since 2017 where no qualifying offers are accepted.
Definitely receiving (and declining) the offer
CF/1B Cody Bellinger, Cubs
3B Matt Chapman, Blue Jays
RHP Sonny Gray, Twins
LHP Josh Hader, Padres
RHP Aaron Nola, Phillies
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani, Angels
LHP Blake Snell, Padres
1 comment
Outside of Ohtani Hader is the only one worth the draft penalties. Hes 29, the longest he would likely get a contract for is 5 years, and the Dodgers need a lock down closer.
Evan Phillips was great, but as a Dodger he has been better in that setup role than as a closer.
The other benefit of those two is that they can be used like the Mets used Diaz/Ottavino in 2022.
If the toughest part of the lineup is in the 8th, you can pitch Hader there because Phillips can pitch in the 9th.
I recognize that was supposedly an issue on the Padres, but they’re a bit of a mess over there and with how they were dangling being traded over him and refusing to give legitimate contract extension offers despite his want to discuss them – there could be more to the story.
Especially since he did that plenty of times with the Brewers without an issue there. Issue was only with the Padres.
Plus $100mil+ will likely change his mind on that mentality (if it really needs to change)