Cubs extend qualifying offer to Seiya Suzuki, key cog in lineup who could depart via free agency

Summary

<p>We’ll see whether Seiya Suzuki returns to the Cubs next season, but the team made an effort to retain his services Monday.</p><p>The Cubs tendered a qualifying offer to the free-agent right fielder, a one-year deal worth $23.15 million. Suzuki has until Nov. 17 to accept. If he declines and signs with another team, the Cubs will get a draft pick in exchange for his departure.</p><p>Suzuki is ranked as one of the top hitters on this offseason’s free-agent market, and with the Cubs geared up to heavily focus their efforts on improving the pitching staff this winter, it would perhaps be…

Description from Chicago Sun-Times.