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The Los Angeles Angels decided against offering Torii Hunter a one-year qualifying offer on Friday, making him a free agent. This year's qualifying offer was $13.3 million, which is about $6 million less than what they paid him in 2012. According to Mike DiGiovanna, there were little-to-no negotiations between the two parties.
Hunter, 37, is arguably coming off the best offensive season of his career, batting .313 with a .826 OPS. His defense remained strong while appearing in 140 games, which was the fewest since 2009.
Here is what Hunter had to say about the decision. Sounds like a man who might be ready for a change, no?
The deadline was at 2pm for angels to make an offer. No offer today. Officially a free agent. Time to do some scouting.
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) November 2, 2012
Hunter described the chances of him returning to the Angels next season (and beyond) as "fair," although the club's chances were dwindling. There is a talented class of free agent outfielders on the market this offseason, although Hunter has to be one of the more appealing choices out there.