Braves plan to extend qualifying offer to Santana, who had it last year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Braves intend to extend the $15.3-million qualifying offer to top pitcher Ervin Santana, according to people familiar with the situation.

Santana found the free agent market difficult last winter largely because he had a qualifying offer (and thus a draft pick) attached to him, and he'll be in a similar situation again this year, at least in terms of the qualifying offer and draft pick.

Santana wound up getting a deal with the Braves for exactly the $14.1-million qualifying offer of a year ago, striking the agreement in spring training after Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen went down with elbow injuries.

Some executives expect players to accept the qualifying offer this year, but after going 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA, Santana would seem to be in position to get a multiyear deal. It is no surprise that the Braves will give him the qualifying offer.