On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Arizona Diamondbacks have extended a qualifying offer of $21.05 million to three time Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker. The slugger is a free agent for the first time since becoming an every day major leaguer in 2019. He now has until November 19 to either accept or reject the offer.
What is a Qualifying Offer?
A qualifying offer is essentially a competitive balance measure. The "QO" has been in place since 2012. According to the MLB Glossary, the purpose is outlined as below:
In the qualifying offer system, clubs wishing to receive compensatory Draft picks for the loss of a free agent can make a one-year "qualifying offer," worth the mean salary of MLB's 125 highest-paid players, to their impending free agents prior to the onset of free agency if and only if:
1. That player has never received a qualifying offer previously in his career.
2. That player spent the entire season on that team's roster (in-season acquisitions are ineligible).
There are different levels of compensation, depending on whether the team losing the player they've made a QO to is a revenue sharing payee or recipient. In the case of the Diamondbacks, since they are a recipient, they could receive a pick between the first round and the Competitive Balance Round A.
But that is only if Walker signs for $50 million or higher. If he signs for less than that, the D-backs' compensation pick will come after Competitive Balance Round B.
You might be wondering what happens if the Diamondbacks sign a player that was offered a QO by their previous team? Since the D-backs are a revenue sharing recipient, they would lose their third round pick. That happened in 2017 when the D-backs signed Zack Greinke during the 2016-17 offseason.
Analysis
It is widely expected that Walker will reject the $21.05 million offer. He will be seeking a multi-year deal, and could easily surpass the $50 million threshold. However given he's entering his age-34 season in 2025, that is not an absolute given. So Walker will be taking some risk if he ultimately rejects the offer before he has a long term deal in place.
For the D-backs, the offer contains some risk as well. Based on publicly available numbers, the team only has about $30 million to spend during the 2024-25 offseason before they will equal or exceed 2024 payroll numbers.
If Walker accepts the offer, that leaves them only $9 million remaining. They must also replace Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk, Kevin Newman, Josh Bell, and Paul Sewald. While many, if not most of the replacements could come internally, the Arizona Diamondbacks will have precious little flexibility should Walker take the offer.
Related Content: Will Christian Walker Stay with the Diamondbacks?
More must-reads:
- Four teams that should be sellers at the trade deadline
- Yankees eyeing Rockies one-time All-Star as backup plan at third base
- The 'Multiple 100-RBI MLB seasons' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
The 'Multiple 100-RBI MLB seasons' quiz
After much was made over where (or if) Rafael Devers would ever pick up a glove again in the Major Leagues while he was with the Boston Red Sox, Devers finally made his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants. Devers has been used exclusively as a designated hitter in his first 102 appearances in 2025, but had a clean and error-free night in his return to the field. After the Giants 9-0 win in which Devers also had two hits and an RBI, the nine-year veteran’s words about playing first won’t make many Red Sox fans happy given his reluctance to play first base in Boston. “It keeps me active and keeps my head out of just thinking of the next at-bat,” he said. “I’m the kind of player that likes to be active and likes to be out in the field.” Which brings us to today’s quiz. Devers has struggled at the plate since being traded to the Giants, but maybe a return to regular days in the field will help him return to his 100-RBI season form as well. With that being said, can you name every active MLB player with to knock in 100 runs in multiple seasons? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
Pelicans' exec makes team's stance on Zion Williamson crystal clear
It’s wild how quickly the NBA narrative can flip. A year ago, Zion Williamson was in every trade rumor possible. People were questioning his health, his work ethic, even his future in New Orleans. And the Pelicans? They didn’t really deny any of it. It felt like both sides were one step away from walking. But things have shifted this offseason — quietly, but clearly. The Pelicans could’ve pulled the plug. Zion’s contract gave them outs, and the trade market might’ve still brought back some real value. Instead, they stuck with him. And based on what one of their own just said, they’re not just keeping him around — they’re still betting big on him. In a recent interview with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, an anonymous Pelicans executive made it crystal clear. “Zion is still our guy. We’re all in on him. We think he’s going to have a huge year. We’ve had some bad injury luck and some things that just haven’t worked out. This partnership hasn’t even come close to reaching our best yet.” That’s not something you say if you’re halfway in. They backed it up with their offseason moves, too. They traded CJ McCollum and brought in Jordan Poole, a high-usage creator who can take pressure off Zion. They drafted Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick, a dynamic young guard. They added Kevon Looney, a reliable veteran who brings playoff experience and toughness. Those aren’t tear-it-down moves — those are “let’s try this another way” moves. Of course, Zion’s health is still the question. That never really goes away. He played just 30 games last season, but in those games he looked solid: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per night on 56.7 percent shooting. The explosiveness was there. The playmaking was sharp. And the hope for New Orleans is that this time, he can finally sustain it. What’s interesting is how the front office is trying to create a better environment around him. Joe Dumars has stepped in to lead basketball operations and is reportedly building a closer relationship with Zion — dinners, real conversations, not just surface-level stuff. It feels like, for once, the team is trying to meet him halfway. It’s a risk, sure. But it’s a calculated one. The West is brutal and the margin for error is thin. Still, if Zion can stay healthy for 60 games, and if Poole finds a rhythm and guys like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones keep improving — this team has a shot to be in the mix. The quote from the exec says it all. They could’ve hit reset, moved on, cleaned house. But they didn’t. They’re still in. And now it’s on Zion to hold up his end of the deal. After everything that’s happened, they’re telling the world they still believe. Now it’s time to find out if they’re right.
Canucks continue talks with Jack Roslovic, his ask poses problems
A team that has gone through several changes already this summer, the Vancouver Canucks remain active, currently engaged in discussions with unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic. According to reports from Rick Dhaliwal and Cam Robinson, the organization has spoken to Roslovic on several occasions and are still interested in potentially signing him to a free agency deal. Roslovic posted 39 points in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2024-25. He is reportedly seeking a two- or three-year deal worth just over $3 million annually. Roslovic could be a solid middle-six contributor for an NHL team, but there is some concern over whether he’s a needle mover. He could be a solution for Canucks, who need a true third-line center, but some wonder if he’s the best place to be using the little cap flexibility Vancouver has. A Roslovic signing would take up much of the $3.2 million available to add to the roster. Can the Canucks work the math out on Roslovic? At this stage of free agency, it’s about finding value in overlooked talent. Roslovic likely won’t be a dynamic top producer, but he has value. The question is if Vancouver can make the math work. He could provide reliable depth scoring, but is that where the money should go? Some believe the Canucks would be better served by taking a bigger swing. On his own, Roslovic likely doesn’t move the Canucks into contender status.
Phillies’ 1.83 ERA starter drawing trade interest ahead of deadline
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Not only do they have a great front five, but there goes, potentially, eight pitchers deep with MLB talent. Unsurprisingly, with such a surplus of talent, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in their starters. Ranger Suarez, whose contract expires at the end of the year, would be a typical trade deadline candidate. But he's going nowhere. Instead, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in Phillies right-handed prospect Mick Abel. The 23-year-old starter could be a trade chip if the Phillies find a suitable trade target. "... Same goes for Mick Abel," Gelb writes, "who is drawing trade interest." The Phillies right-hander has impressed in his brief Major League stint, even if he now sits at a 5.04 ERA in six starts. His ceiling, which he displayed in his MLB debut, is enough to captivate teams around baseball. In the minors, Abel has been dominant this season. He has a 1.83 ERA in 12 starts in Triple-A, a significant improvement over his 6.46 ERA in 2024. Abel's progress this season has been incredible, and has teams interested in trading for him. If the Phillies find a trade partner for an outfielder or a dominant reliever, Abel could be a centerpiece of a deal to land such a player at the deadline. With the crowded rotation, Abel might not have a starting role on the roster for the rest of the season. He could go to the bullpen for the postseason run or be dealt to land a high-profile reliever or outfielder. But, regardless of what the Phillies do with Abel, this report from Gelb is a good sign. If teams around baseball are interested in Abel, then his progress isn't just a facade; it's something teams are willing to buy in on.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
