Tue 11/4/14 7:37 AM

The Orioles extended Cruz a qualifying offer of $15.3 million Monday, an offer he seems certain to refuse, MASN Sports reports. The move was a formality so that the Orioles can receive a compensatory draft pick in 2015 if Cruz signs with another team. The 2014 MLB home run leader is expected to seek a four or five year deal on the free agent market.