MLB Rumors: Jake Odorizzi accepting qualifying offer

MLB Rumors: Jake Odorizzi, Minnesota Twins free agent starting pitcher, is foregoing the opportunity to test the market and is accepting the qualifying offer, per Ken Rosenthal. Odorizzi will receive $17.8 million guaranteed for 2020, and will then be eligible to re-enter the market next year with no draft pick compensation limiting his market.

Odorizzi had a career best 3.6 bWAR last year, and, turning 30 in March, he will be relatively young when he hits the market again after 2020. He was someone who could have found themselves in a difficult spot this offseason, given there are a number of free agent starting pitchers on the market, and given he had two below-average years in 2017 and 2018.

By accepting this deal, Odorizzi locks in a salary for 2020 at almost double what he made in 2019, and if he repeats his 2019 success, he will likely cash in with a much bigger contract after 2020 than he would get in 2019.

UPDATE— Chicago White Sox 1B/DH Jose Abreu is also accepting the qualifying offer, per reports. It appears every other free agent is rejecting it.