Miguel Montero told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that he’s open to the possibility of an extension, though he isn’t sure if the Diamondbacks will approach him about a deal. Piecoro hears that it’s “probable” that the D'Backs will discuss the possibility with the catcher this offseason. If they come calling, Montero will listen attentively.
"They're more than welcome to come to me in the off-season," Montero told Piecoro. "Obviously, I want to stay here. My family likes Phoenix, so it's always good to stay here. I like the front-office guys. I like the fans. I like everybody. I would be more than happy to stay here."
Montero earns $3.2MM this year and will be arbitration eligible one last time this offseason before hitting free agency after the 2012 season. MLBTR’s Mark Polishuk examined the possibility of an extension for Montero in detail this weekend, suggesting that a three-year deal in the $21MM range could work.
Given that they’d be eating FA years and he’d probably be looking for at least 3 years on the open market, I imagine he’s going to be looking for at least 4 years/$30MM if he accepted an extension.
That’s not a very precise way of looking at it. The player has to give up something to sign a pre-free agency extension, with the risk there of someone – particularly someone with a torn meniscus in his history playing catcher – getting hurt before hitting the free market. 4 years is possible, but I don’t see that being a strict demand of Montero’s.
I would bet he gets a team option with a buyout of 2-3 million for the 4th year. Either way catchers who hit as well as him are a rare commodity, I’ve heard his defense has gotten a little better too, is this true? I don’t get to watch the D’backs often.
Leads all catchers in throwing out baserunners last I looked. Although his blocking skills leave a lot to be desired. Overall, much better behind the plate than he was in his initial full season in 2007.
He’s really improving. I want this guy signed!
Hopefully Dbacks get this deal done. Can we NOT call him “miggy” though? Too many miggys – He’s “monty” in my house!
At first glance, I thought the Yankees were pulling a Longoria and locking up Jesus Montero weeks into his major league debut, forgot about Miguel.