Qualifying offer penalty can quickly eliminate NY Mets’ Tarik Skubal backup plan

Rising Apple's Tim Boyle argues that signing free agent pitcher Trevor Rogers as a backup plan to Tarik Skubal could become unappealing for the New York Mets due to qualifying offer penalties. Boyle suggests that while Skubal stands as the premier free agent pitcher, Rogers presents an alternative who fits president of baseball operations David Stearns' typical acquisition model.

However, Boyle points out that signing Rogers after a rejected qualifying offer would cost the Mets two draft picks and $1 million in international bonus slot money. Because Skubal was traded mid-season and carries no draft compensation penalty, Boyle contends the extra costs attached to Rogers might force the Mets to look elsewhere.