Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only 18 of 157 prior offers have been accepted. The figure is determined by the average of the top 125 major league contracts this year.

We’ll see whether Seiya Suzuki returns to the Cubs next season, but the team made an effort to retain his services Monday. The Cubs tendered a qualifying offer to the free-agent right fielder, a one-year deal worth $23.15 million. Suzuki has until Nov. 17 to accept. If he declines and signs with another team, the Cubs…