The Seattle Mariners have issued right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma a qualifying offer, the club announced shortly before the 5 p.m. ET deadline Friday.
Iwakuma can return to the club on a one-year, $15.8-million contract or elect free agency.
The Mariners will receive draft-pick compensation if Iwakuma decides to move on.
Iwakuma, 34, was limited to 20 starts due to lat and finger injuries, but is 47-25 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in four seasons with the Mariners.
No player has ever accepted a qualifying offer.
