Report: Nick Castellanos, Michael Conforto, Corey Seager Decline Qualifying Offers

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos and New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto were among the 14 free agents to receive an $18.4 million qualifying offer on Sunday, but they will reportedly test the open market.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan reports that Conforto plans to decline the offer and enter free agency. Reds beat writer Bobby Nightengale reports that Castellanos will do the same.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager also declined his qualifying offer, per L.A. Times reporter Jorge Castillo. The 27-year-old former World Series MVP is sure to command a ton of interest in free agency after hitting .306/.394/.521 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI in 2021.

Castellanos, who was guaranteed $34 million over the next two seasons, opted out of the final two years of his contract last week. The 29-year-old is coming off a career year in 2021 and could be in line for a big payday this offseason.

Castellanos posted career highs in WAR (3.3), batting average (.309) and home runs (34) while adding 100 RBI, his second 100-RBI season and first since 2017. He was named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his nine-year career.

While Castellanos isn't known for his defense, the expected implementation of the universal designated hitter is sure to increase his list of potential suitors.

Conforto is coming off a down year. He batted just .232 in 125 games, his lowest batting average since his second season in the majors in 2016. A strained hamstring kept him out for over a month during the season, but he managed to hit 14 home runs and drive in 55 runs. 

An All-Star selection in 2017, Conforto is still just 28 years old and will likely receive a lot of interest on the open market.

MLB teams are entitled to draft pick compensation if a player rejects the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere.