MLB.com’s William Ladson reports that outfielder Denard Span was not among those receiving a $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Nationals on Friday. Starter Doug Fister did not receive one either, while shortstop Ian Desmond and starter Jordan Zimmermann did.
Span, 32 in February, played in only 61 games this past season due to back and hip injuries. He suffered a torn labrum and underwent surgery in early September. The procedure has a timetable of four to six months. The far end of that would have him making a slightly late appearance in spring training with whichever team he signs.
When he was in the lineup, Span performed well, hitting .301/.365/.431 with five home runs, 22 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 275 plate appearances. The veteran has also consistently been an above-average defender. Despite his recent injury issues, Span should draw some interest in free agency this off-season.