The slugging outfielder's remarkable power numbers during the initial two-thirds of the 2013 campaign took a significant turn when a PED suspension prematurely ended his season. This led to a complex situation where his decision to reject the QO after that partial season was understandable, yet teams' hesitation to sign him also made sense.

Unraveling the Consequences of PED Suspensions on Baseball Careers

Kendrys Morales in 2013

Over the first two-thirds of 2013, Kendrys Morales showcased extraordinary power. However, a PED suspension cut short his season. He rejected the QO worth $14.1 million. It's clear why he did so after the season he had. But teams were wary, as he ended up signing a one-year, $7.4 million (prorated) deal midseason. Morales reportedly declined a three-year, $30MM extension during the 2013 season. This incident grouped him with Nelson Cruz as veteran sluggers affected by the QO. In hindsight, teams might have been cautious about Morales, but they misjudged Nelson Cruz.

Stephen Drew in 2013

During the 2013-14 offseason, the qualifying offer was new. Players like Cruz, Morales, and Drew demonstrated its flaws. Drew, coming off a great year, could only secure a one-year, $14.1 million deal midseason, which was prorated to $10.1 million. This showed the challenges faced by players with the QO.

Howie Kendrick in 2015

In 2015, Howie Kendrick technically exceeded the total value of the qualifying offer. He rejected a $15.8 million QO and signed a two-year, $20 million deal. Had he accepted the QO, he would have needed to sign for $4.3 million the following offseason to beat the $20 million total. He likely could have done so, and getting more money sooner is always valuable.