The Daily Chop: Qualifying offers, free agency previews and more

The offseason is here and while we are still not sure how hot the stove will be this winter, there are plenty of procedural moves that will take place over the weekend before free agency opens next week. There will be no shortage of storylines and Talking Chop’s own Demetrius Bell outlined five big questions for the offseason Friday for SB Nation. Here are some more quality links to get you ready for Hot Stove Season.

• The Athletic’s Cliff Corcoran lists the biggest need for every team in the National League. For the Braves he mentions the free agency of Josh Donaldson but goes with a starting pitcher as Atlanta’s biggest need.
• FanGraphs’ Dan Szymborski takes a closer look at which players should and shouldn’t receive qualifying offers.
• Ginny Searle has a handy list of every team, player and mutual option over at Baseball Prospectus.
• The Braves will likely be in the market for at least one catcher this winter and here is a look at some potential targets.

More Braves News

Our 2019 season in review series continued on Friday with a look at reliever Mark Melancon who figures to play a big part in Atlanta’s bullpen next season and catcher Tyler Flowers who the Braves will have until Monday to decide whether or not to pick up his 2020 contract option.

Awards Season

The 2019 Gold Glove Awards will be announced Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Braves currently have two finalists for Gold Gloves in second baseman Ozzie Albies and third baseman Josh Donaldson.

The Athletic’s Mark Simon takes a closer look at the finalists and picks who should take home Gold Gloves at each position.

MLB Comings and Goings

• In a strange twist of timing, Stephen Strasburg has until 12 p.m. ET Saturday to decide whether or not he will opt out of his current deal and become a free agent. Ironically, the Nationals will hold their championship parade on Saturday which is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m.
• It was merely a formality but Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas made it official on Friday declining their mutual options for the 2020 season. Grandal figures to be one of the most sought after catchers available while Moustakas is coming off of a 35-homer season.
• The Cleveland Indians announced that they have exercised Corey Kluber’s $17.5 million option for 2020. The team also declined the 2020 options of Jason Kipnis and Dan Otero.
• The Nationals announced on Friday that they have declined the $4 million mutual option on first baseman Matt Adams. He will receive a $1 million buyout and become a free agent.
• The Philadelphia Phillies released utility player Jose Pirela so that he can pursue an opportunity in Japan.
• The Kansas City Royals declined the mutual option for outfielder Alex Gordon. Gordon will receive a $4 million buyout but was slated to make $23 million had the Royals exercised his option.
• Aroldis Chapman is hopeful that he can work out an extension with the Yankees but plans to opt out of the final two-years and $30 million remaining on his contract.

Coaching News

• The New York Mets reportedly have an agreement with former outfielder Carlos Beltran to become the team’s next manager.
• The Miami Marlins are in talks with Hensley Meulens for a to be determined role on their coaching staff in 2020. Meulens interviewed for the Giants managerial vacancy but has reportedly been told that he is not a finalist.