>>Cubs Extend Qualify Offer To Contreras
(Chicago, IL) — The Cubs are starting their pursuit of Willson Contreras. The team extended a qualifying offer to the catcher yesterday. If he accepts the offer, he’ll be paid 19-point-65 million dollars for the 2023 season. If he declines it and signs with a different team, the Cubs will get a compensatory draft pick. The three-time All-Star hit .243 with 22 home runs and 55 RBI with Chicago last season. In other team news, the Cubs outrighted seven players off their 40-man roster yesterday, including outfielder Franmil Reyes.
>>Goldschmidt, Arenado Earn Silver Slugger Award
(St. Louis, MO) — A pair of Cardinals players are being recognized by the MLB for their performances at the plate this past season. Third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt were both named the National League Silver Slugger award winners at their respective positions. The award honors the best hitter at each position in each league, and it’s the fifth time each player has won the award. Arenado hit .293 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI, while Goldschmidt had a .317 average with 35 homers and 115 RBI. In other Cardinals news, Arenado, Goldschmidt, Tommy Edman, Ryan Helsley, and Albert Pujols were all nominated for the All-MLB team yesterday.
>>MLB Awards Silver Sluggers
(Undated) — Major League Baseball is announcing Silver Slugger award winners. Anaheim’s Mike Trout won his ninth career trophy while New York’s Aaron Judge took home his third. Judge is also an AL MVP finalist. Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez claimed his first career Silver Slugger award and is also in consideration for Rookie of the Year. St. Louis’ Paul Goldschmidt claimed his fifth title along with teammate Nolan Arenado. Both players are finalists for NL MVP. Silver Sluggers are awarded to the top offensive player at each position in both leagues.
>>MLB Free Agents Receive Qualifying Offers
(Undated) — A number of free agents were given qualifying offers from their former teams as Major League Baseball free agency officially began. The qualifying offer for the 2023 season is one year at 19.65-million dollars. Among those to receive an offer were Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Mets’ pitcher Jacob deGrom, outfielder Brandon Nimmo and right hander Chris Bassitt and Braves’ shortstop Dansby Swanson. Shortstop Trea Turner and pitcher Tyler Anderson also received offers from the Dodgers. Players have 10 days to decide whether to accept the offer.