The team had the option of offering a one-year, $17 million deal to Cozart.
That may have made him less attractive to other potential suitors and be more money than they want to commit to him next season.
No #reds qualifying offer happening for Cozart, https://t.co/NzRIq0nn8W has learned.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) November 6, 2017
zack cozart had outstanding year. but $17.4M qualifying offer is thought steep for reds. they'd love him, but on multiyear at <17.4 per.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2017
If they had made the offer, the Reds would have received a compensatory pick if he then signed with someone else.
The Reds could still re-sign Cozart, perhaps to a multi-year deal worth less money annually.
READ MORE: Pros and cons of re-signing Zack Cozart
They may also choose to move forward with Jose Peraza at shortstop in 2018.
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