Rangers make qualifying offer to Josh Hamilton, but not Mike Napoli

The Texas Rangers have made a qualifying offer to Josh Hamilton, but will not do the same with Mike Napoli, according to. Hamilton is considered one of the preeminent free agents this winter and is expected to command a multi-year deal that could top $20 million annually, which could push him out of the Rangers' reach.

Despite not offering Napoli a qualifying offer, Texas is still expected to try to re-sign the catcher. There was some fear that Napoli would accept the qualifying offer, which would pay him $13.3 millon in 2013, which is why they chose not to offer it.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels: "We'd like to have Nap back but at the predetermined figure we weren't comfortable there."

— Anthony Andro (@aandro) November 2, 2012

Because the Rangers did not expend a qualifying offer, they will not receive any draft pick compensation if Napoli signs elsewhere.

The qualifying offer for Hamilton is also for $13.3 million, which he could accept and remain with the Rangers for 2013, but that is unlikely. He will almost assuredly test the free agent market and because Texas has made a qualifying offer, they will receive draft pick compensation if they cannot re-sign him.

If the Rangers cannot re-sign Hamilton and Napoli they will have some massive holes to fill in their lineup. Hamilton led Texas with 43 home runs in 2012, while Napoli was third on the team with 24. Since Napoli joined the team prior to 2011, the two have combined for 122 dingers.