John Lackey: Receives Qualifying Offer

Lacky received a qualifying offer from the Cardinals Friday.

Analysis:

Lackey was excellent for the Cardinals this season, posting a 2.77 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 218 innings, but considering the veteran hurler turned 37 years old last month, extending the $15.8 million qualifying offer wasn't a formality. Given the Cardinals depth in the starting rotation, the team might be happy to pick up a draft pick if Lackey declines the offer and signs with another team, but St. Louis figures to at least try to bring him back for another season.