Didi Gregorius Doesn't Receive Qualifying Offer From Yankees

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By WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM/66AM New York

The New York Yankees chose not to extend a qualifying offer to infielder Didi Gregorius. 

Gregorius, whose been a part of the team since 2015, will become a free agent as a result. He tallied 61 RBIs and 16 home runs last season, while maintaining his .238 batting average. Aroldis Chapman avoided the qualifying offer when he agreed to a three-year extension with the Yankees.

Gregorius missed a portion of the 2019 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

He will be 30 years old when New York begins spring training and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman seemingly wants no part in issuing the $17.8 million qualifying offer to his longtime infielder ahead of Monday's deadline. 

Since the Yankees failed to offer Gregorius, the team won't receive draft pick compensation if he chooses to sign elsewhere. Gregorius, however, could still return to the Yankees but it'll likely be for less than his offer would've paid. 

Didi Gregorius breaks it open with a grand slam --(via @Yankees)pic.twitter.com/xz1PWesJ1a

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2019

Gregorius is likely to attract a few suitors when he's able to negotiate with interested teams. He's ranked as the 14th best free agent — seventh best position player — according to MLB.com 

With the Yankees elimination in the ALCS, Cashman could likely pursue one of the marquee names set to become available in the coming weeks. Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon highlight potential free agents set to cash in on a successful postseason.