David Robertson could become the first player to ever accept a qualifying offer.
The New York Yankees will reportedly extend the $15.3-million figure to their closer Monday, YES Network's Jack Curry reports. He adds that the club is hopeful it will retain him.
Robertson stands to command a multi-year deal on the open market but is unlikely to secure that type of annual salary. Previous reports suggest Robertson's agent is targeting a deal in excess of the four-year, $50-million contract Jonathan Papelbon signed with the Phialdelphia Phillies in 2011.
If Robertson declines the offer - like every other player in the two-year history of qualifiers - the Yankees will receive draft-pick compensation should he sign with another team.
The Yankees stopper was impresisve in his first season replacing Mariano Rivera, authoring a 3.08 ERA with 39 saves in 44 chances. Robertson's 37.1 percent strikeout rate and 1.7 WAR (FanGraphs) ranked third among American League closers this season.