Astros make qualifying offer to ace Gerrit Cole

PHOTOS: Astros players' contract situation heading into 2019-20 offseason

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches during the first inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium in New York on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019.

>>>A look at the contract situation for each Houston Astros player heading into the 2019-20 offseason ... less Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches during the first inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium in New York on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. PHOTOS: Astros players' contract situation heading into 2019-20 offseason

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches during the first inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches during the first inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Astros make qualifying offer to ace Gerrit Cole 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

The Astros gave free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole a qualifying offer to ensure they will get a compensatory draft pick if signs with another team.

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The qualifying offers are for one year and $17.8 million. A player has 10 days to accept or reject.

If Cole he rejects it and if he signs with another team before the MLB Draft, the Astros will get a compensatory draft pick after Competitive Balance Round B.

Cole is one of eight Astros to file for free agency. The others: catchers Robinson Chirinos and Martin Maldonado and pitchers Will Harris, Collin McHugh, Wade Miley, Hector Rondon and Joe Smith.

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Also on Monday, the Astros declined their 2020 option on Chris Devenski, who will remain with the team as an arbitration-eligible player.

The team also moved Lance McCullers Jr. back to the 40-man roster from the 60-day injury list and added pitcher Kent Emanuel to the 40-man roster. He spent the season at Class AAA Round Rock.

Cole and Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg top the free-agent market for starting pitchers and are expected to go for bigger money and longer-term deals.

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