Interesting article from Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune last night. Krasovic talked to Jake Peavy’s agent, Barry Axelrod. Given Peavy’s full no-trade clause and below-market contract, Axelrod thinks it’s fair to compare this to a free agent situation. If trade talks stretch into the offseason, C.C. Sabathia’s new deal could come into play.
First things first, Peavy will need to be granted full no-trade powers upon any trade. But if he considers a trade outside of his five preferred teams, Sabathia’s salary will be relevant. Axelrod is implying that Peavy could accept a trade outside of his comfort zone, for the right price:
"If it is someplace where Jake is being asked to make massive change and someplace he may not really want to go, it may take more enticement to get him to agree."
Maybe this brings teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets into play. But if Peavy requires $20MM+ per year and a package of top prospects, he loses much of his appeal.
I imagine Axelrod’s goal is still to get Peavy to one of his five teams. But each scenario is flawed in some way, and Peavy might have to stay put unless he expands his options or three-team deals emerge. Axelrod’s comments may also serve to motivate a team like the Braves to try to get something done before open season on free agents begins.
