Wieters doesn't receive qualifying offer

The Orioles moved closer to parting ways with longtime catcher Matt Wieters, declining today to extend a qualifying offer.

Mark Trumbo received the qualifying offer, as expected, and he's almost certain to refuse it and test free agency.

The deadline for players to make a decision is Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

The qualifying offer increased this year from $15.8 million to $17.2 million. Wieters accepted it last year, proved that he made a full recovery from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and now is ready to test the market.

The Orioles will receive a draft pick if Trumbo signs elsewhere due to the qualifying offer, but there will be no compensation if Wieters hooks on with another team.

Wieters is the top catcher in free agency with the Nationals' Wilson Ramos recovering from knee surgery. His .243/.302/.409 slash line doesn't impress, but he also hit 17 home runs and threw out 35 percent of runners attempting to steal. The Braves already have emerged as a favorite to sign him - Wieters attending Georgia Tech and has a home in the Atlanta area - but the Nationals and Astros also figure to join the list of suitors.

Chris Davis is the only Orioles player slated to make more than $17.2 million next year. He's on the books for $23 million.

The Orioles' refusal to extend the offer to Wieters signals their concern over potentially committing $17.2 million to one player while already making a significant financial investment in Davis and preparing raises for arbitration-eligible players such as Manny Machado, Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, Kevin Gausman, Jonathan Schoop and Brad Brach.

They also would like to re-sign Trumbo, who could be fielding four-year offers after leading the majors with 47 home runs following a December trade that sent backup catcher Steve Clevenger to the Mariners.

Wieters has been in the organization since the Orioles made him the fifth-overall pick in the 2007 draft. He broke into the majors two years later, won two Gold Glove Awards and made four All-Star teams. He's also been one of the clubhouse leaders, though not as vocal as Adam Jones.

Only Jones has more tenure than Wieters, joining the Orioles in 2008. Teammates were thrilled that Wieters returned this season. His likely departure, while anticipated, will come as a disappointment.

There are people in the organization who are comfortable with Caleb Joseph being the starter next season, citing his plus-defense and the expectation that he'll put up better offensive numbers. Others think Chance Sisco, the top catching prospect, will be ready to handle at least part of the load.

The Orioles have 10 free agents, including Pedro Alvarez, Michael Bourn, Brian Duensing, Tommy Hunter, Logan Ondrusek, Steve Pearce, Nolan Reimold and Drew Stubbs.