Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) hits a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Indians have decided not to make qualifying offers to free agents Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
A qualifying offer is worth $17.2 million and had to be presented to a team’s free agents by Monday at 5 p.m.
Indians director of baseball operations Chris Antonetti indicated to Cleveland.com that the team will still try to sign both players, although other teams can begin making offers to the two players Tuesday.
Because they did not make those qualifying offers, the Indians cannot be compensated with drafts picks if Napoli or Davis sign with another team.
Napoli and Davis signed one-year contracts with the Indians last offseason, and they helped the Indians win the American League pennant for the first time since 1997.
Napoli, 35, set career highs with 34 homers and 101 RBIs during the regular season.
Davis, 36, platooned in center field with rookie Tyler Naquin. He hit .249 with a career-high 12 homers and led the American League with 43 stolen bases. He also hit a home run off Cubs reliever Aroldis Chapman to tie Game 7 of the World Series in the eighth inning.
The Indians also activated Michael Brantley and Carlos Carrasco from the 60-day disabled list and outrighted catcher Adam Moore.
