Major League clubs had until 5 p.m. ET on Monday evening to make qualifying offers to eligible players. The one-year deal would pay any player who accepts the offer $20.325 million for the 2024 season. The Philadelphia Phillies had four players — Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins, Michael Lorenzen, and Craig Kimbrel — eligible to receive a qualifying offer.
As expected, the Phillies made Aaron Nola a qualifying offer. Rhys Hoskins, Craig Kimbrel and Michael Lorenzen did not get one. It does not close the door for Hoskins' return, but much depends on where Bryce Harper plays next year.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) November 6, 2023
The club made an offer to Nola but opted to let the other three players officially hit free agency. That does not mean that the Phillies' No. 2 starter will automatically be back in Philadelphia next season, but should he decline the offer and sign elsewhere, the Phillies would get a compensation pick in next year's MLB draft.
Making a qualifying offer to Nola makes sense from the Phillies' point of view. Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that they want to re-sign their longest-tenured player to a long-term deal this offseason. It's almost a guarantee that Nola will decline the offer and opt for free agency. He will make well over $20 million per season on the open market and get a deal that would keep him in one place for much of his remaining career.
Should he re-sign with the Phillies later this winter, the team will get the starting pitcher they want. If the 30-year-old opts to sign elsewhere, the club will get their compensation draft pick after the fourth round in next summer's draft.
Rhys Hoskins not given qualifying offer
The Phillies chose not to extend an offer to Rhys Hoskins, which may have been a surprise to some. Hoskins is a beloved member of the franchise and has been around through some tough years — much like Nola. He tore his ACL in the spring and missed all of 2023. The Phillies are still undecided with their approach to first base next season, so they likely didn't want Hoskins to accept the offer at that amount of money.
Jon Heyman indicated that despite the lack of a qualifying offer, it wouldn't be a major surprise to see the first baseman back with the Phillies in 2024. Much of the decision will loom on what position Bryce Harper will mainly play next season.
There are talks of Hoskins being willing to sign a one-year prove-it deal this offseason. However, with the lack of offensive production in this year's free agent class, the 30-year-old first baseman may get some bigger and better offers.
It's not surprising to see Lorenzen and Kimbrel become free agents. Both had their moments with the Phillies, but neither pitcher is worth the $20.325 million they would have made had they received and accepted an offer. It's unlikely that either player will be back in Philadelphia next season.
Now that free agency is here, all there is to do is sit back and wait. MLB free agency is often slow-moving, so there may be some time before any big free agents sign. The Phillies have their priorities and will be looking to make moves as the Hot Stove heats up.