D-backs extend qualifying offers to free agents Corbin, Pollock
Nov 2, 2018, 12:34 PM | Updated: 2:52 pm
The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday extended qualifying offers to their two biggest free agents, pitcher Patrick Corbin and outfielder A.J. Pollock.
Friday marked the last day to do so before free agency begins Saturday with a five-day negotiating period. Corbin and Pollock have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 12 to accept or reject the qualifying offer, which is set this year at a fixed $17.9 million price range over one year.
In the meantime, they can negotiate other deals with the D-backs or other teams to gauge their value before making a decision on the qualifying offer.
By issuing a qualifying offer, Arizona stands to benefit if either or both of Corbin and Pollock leave in free agency.
The D-backs would get a compensatory draft pick — depending on price of the contract and where they sign — for each player if they decide to reject their respective qualifying offers.
Corbin, in all likelihood, will reject his qualifying offer. If he inks a deal for at least $50 million, that could land Arizona a draft pick after the first round and before Competitive Balance Round A because the Diamondbacks are considered a revenue-sharing team.
Otherwise, the D-backs will will earn picks after the second round and after the Competitive Balance Round B.
Corbin, 29, went 11-7 with a 3.15 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 33 starts for Arizona last season.
Pollock, 30, batted .257 with 21 home runs and 65 RBI over 113 games played.
