Jimmy Rollins finds the prospect of free agency "exciting," and the shortstop told SI's Jon Heyman, "Five [years] would be great. Five would be the number." Rollins, however, guesses the number of years will be the sticking point in upcoming negotiations.
Rollins, 33 in November, is hitting .271/.340/.403 with 16 home runs in 624 plate appearances this year. His defense continues to be a positive. A pair of executives gave Heyman contract estimates ranging from three years and at least $12MM per year to four years and $14MM annually. I think five years is unrealistic even on the open market, but at least one team would commit to four. Rollins' only real competition will be Jose Reyes, who figures to get at least five years and $18MM per season.
As I showed yesterday, it appears that the Phillies can afford Rollins without raising their payroll.
