KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have extended a qualifying offer to right-hander Ervin Santana, which means they would receive a compensatory draft pick if the free agent signs elsewhere.
The qualifying offer this year was $14.1 million. Players have until Nov. 11 to accept.
The Royals have expressed hope that they can bring back Santana, but he’s coming off a stellar season in which he went 9-10 with a career-best 3.24 ERA. His performance in helping the Royals to an 86-76 record, their best since 1989, could price him out of their market.
The Royals also reinstated right-hander Felipe Paulino from the 60-day disabled list on Monday. Paulino had Tommy John surgery in 2012 and made seven rehab starts in the minor leagues this past season.