Nationals extend qualifying offer to Adam LaRoche

The Washington Nationals extended a qualifying offer to first baseman Adam LaRoche, as first reported by Evan Drellich of MLB.com. LaRoche now has until 5 p.m. Nov. 9 to decide whether or not to accept the one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer.

If LaRoche shockingly decides to accept the qualifying offer, the Nationals would be set at first base for at least more year. He would be due to earn $13.3 million for 2013, which would actually be a raise from the $8 million he earned in 2011 and the $10 million he would have earned, had he exercised his mutual option for 2013.

However, if LaRoche declines the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere, the Nationals will gain a top draft pick in the upcoming draft while his new club would surrender their top (unprotected) draft selection.

The 32-year-old LaRoche enjoyed a fantastic 2012 campaign in which he clubbed 33 home runs and is expected to land a multi-year pact this winter.

In addition, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reported that the Nationals did not extend a qualifying offer to Edwin Jackson, a move which likely means the end of the right-hander's stay in D.C.