Cubs add Bryse Wilson off waivers from Phillies

There’s zero doubt that Suzuki, arguably the top position player on the free agent market this offseason, will decline Chicago’s qualifying offer. Only 18 of 157 players to receive a qualifying offer have accepted it since the system was first implemented back in 2012. The 32-year-old corner outfielder slashed a robust .270/.368/.473 with 96 runs scored, 26 homers, 86 RBI and three steals across 545 plate appearances. He’s been a consistent power source for fantasy purposes, topping 20 homers in four of five seasons since signing with the Cubs back in 2022. It’s notable that Chicago declined to extend qualifying offers to both Ian Happ and Matthew Boyd.

It’s notable that second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. did not receive a qualifying offer from New York. Bednar figures to have plenty of potential landing spots on the open market. However, a return to the Yankees on a long-term deal seems like the most logical solution for both sides. The 32-year-old stopper converted 35 of 39 saves along with a stellar 2.47 ERA across 69 1/3 innings this past season.

Arozarena is a virtual lock to decline the qualifying offer and head to the open market after the strongest season of his career at the plate, slashing .281/.381/.484 with 113 runs scored, 26 homers, 79 RBI and 26 steals across 670 plate appearances. He enters his age-32 campaign on the heels of his sixth consecutive 20-homer, 20-steal season. There are some question marks from a defensive standpoint, but he remains a consistent all-around fantasy contributor that will come off the board in the early rounds of drafts next year.

Morejon is one of the most compelling free agents to hit the open market this offseason after establishing himself as one of the premier high-leverage arms in the game. The odds that he accepts the qualifying offer are virtually nonexistent. The soon-to-be 28-year-old southpaw has posted a sparkling 2.58 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 248/66 K/BB ratio across 223 1/3 innings over the last three seasons. He could generate interest as a closing option for a contender, though the success of recent reliever-to-starter converts like Michael King, Clay Holmes, Seth Lugo and Griffin Jax figures to spark conversations around the league about his potential as a rotation option. His fantasy appeal will rise exponentially in either role, as a departure from San Diego should give him a legitimate opportunity in either direction.

It’s extremely rare to see a qualifying offer accepted, but Bauers could wind up deciding to take it. It’s only happened 18 times out of 157 players to receive one since the system was first implemented back in 2012. The 31-year-old was a key cog in Milwaukee’s incredible World Series title run, taking home NLCS MVP honors after hitting .413 with one homer and six RBI during a sweep of the defending champion Dodgers. He finished as a top-10 first baseman for fantasy purposes this past season, hitting .266/.389/.484 with 93 runs scored, a career-high 26 home runs, 86 RBI and 11 steals in 578 plate appearances. He’ll have plenty of potential destinations if he decides to take his talents elsewhere.

Rogers managed to turn things around, posting a pristine 2.90 ERA and a 119/21 K/BB over 121 innings across his final 20 starts following an abysmal start to last season. The 28-year-old southpaw’s wild fluctuations make him one of the more challenging fantasy starters to forecast, but there’s zero doubt that there will be clubs lining up to sign him this offseason. His fantasy value will likely be significantly tied to where he ultimately winds up.

Paredes, who was 12 days of service time shy of qualifying for free agency this winter, will make $13.35 million under the terms of the option he agreed to while avoiding arbitration. It’s possible he’ll be mentioned in trade rumors again this offseason, but Jeremy Peña and Christian Walker are also candidates to go as the Astros again look to make room for Carlos Correa.

Not really any tough calls here. Weston Wilson did play in 54 games for the Mariners after joining the team in mid-June, but he hit just .192/.263/.296 in 137 plate appearances.

Walls avoided arbitration last year by accepting a one-year, $2.45 million contract with a $3.15 million option for 2027, and the Rays are picking the second year, since he’d probably make a little more than that in arbitration after his Gold Glove season. He’ll be eligible for free agency for the first time next winter.