Jon Gray becomes a free agent when Rockies don’t tender him a qualifying offer

Right-hander Jon Gray, who’s managed to tame the beast that is Coors Field like few other starting pitchers in Rockies history, became a free agent Sunday.

That’s because the Rockies did not tender Gray a one-year, $18.4 million qualifying offer.

However, as expected, the club did make a qualifying offer to star shortstop Trevor Story. Although Story has until Nov. 17 to accept or reject the offer, it’s expected that he will reject it and become a free agent. According to an industry source, at least four teams have already expressed an interest in Story. The chances of the shortstop negotiating a deal with Colorado are slim.

Gray, however, could still re-sign with the Rockies. Gray, 30, has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay in Colorado.

During the final week of the season, the Rockies approached Gray with a contract offer, thought to be a three- or four-year deal in the range of $35 to $40 million. He turned down the offer.

Major league sources say that although Gray remains interested in the Rockies, he wants to explore his options. Plus, Gray and his agent could investigate offers from other teams in order to leverage a better deal with Colorado.

If Colorado had tendered Gray the qualifying offer, he likely would have accepted it. But then, his $18.4 salary in 2022 would have been much higher than that of German Márquez ($11.3 million) and Antonio Senzatela ($7.25 million). Also, the Rockies would like to keep Colorado native Kyle Freeland long-term. The left-hander is projected to make $7 million in 2022, via arbitration. He’s eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season, and paying Gray $18.4 million in 2022 would set Freeland’s salary bar high.

Gray has thrived at Coors Field. His .633 home winning percentage at the hitter-friendly ballpark trails only lefty Jorge De La Rosa (.726) and Senzatela (.667). Gray’s .257 batting average against is third among Rockies pitchers with at least 40 home starts.

Now that Story has turned down the qualifying offer, the Rockies will likely add a high draft pick next summer as compensation. If, as expected, the shortstop signs with another team for a contract valued at $50 million or more, the Rockies will receive a pick after the first round and before competitive balance Round A.

Story, who turns 29 on Nov. 15, will be part of a shortstop free-agent market that includes Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Javier Báez. All of them are searching for huge long-term contracts. The Astros have reportedly offered Correa a five-year deal worth $160 million to stay in Houston.

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