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Cardinals extend qualifying offers to Heyward, Lackey

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The St. Louis Cardinals have made qualifying offers to outfielder Jason Heyward and right-hander John Lackey, the team announced.

Both players now have the option of accepting a one-year, $15.8-million contract, or testing the free-agent market. They have seven days to consider the offer.

The move ensures the Cardinals will receive draft-pick compensation if the players decide to sign elsewhere.

Heyward, 26, hit .293/.359/.439 with 13 homers and 60 RBIs in 154 games, and will be one of the top positional players available if he opts for free agency, as expected.

Lackey, 37, went 13-10 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 33 starts. He pitched for a paltry $507,500 last season, and is due for a huge raise after a successful first full season with the Cardinals.

No player has ever accepted a qualifying offer.

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