6:53pm: And it is now official: having taken his second plate appearance tonight, Rollins’ 2015 option has vested.
8:59am: Jimmy Rollins currently has 1,098 plate appearances between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, meaning that his next two plate appearances will trigger his $11MM vesting option for the 2015 season (as noted by Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com on Twitter). The only thing that would prevent the option from kicking in would be if Rollins were to finish the season on the disabled list. Even in that case, the option could still be guaranteed if a mutually agreed upon doctor deems him ready for Opening Day 2015.
Rollins has enjoyed somewhat of a rebound season in 2014, slashing .243/.326/.398. He’s already more than doubled his 2013 home run total (from six to 13) and has swiped 19 bases in 24 attempts after stealing just 22 bags in 2014.
The former MVP, now 35 years of age, has 10-and-5 rights (10 years of Major League service time, five straight with his current team), meaning that he can block trades to any club. However, if he decides to waive those rights, teams might look be interested given his respectable production at the plate and still strong defense (UZR/150 pegs him at +5.5 runs this season). However, that seems unlikely, as Rollins has said that his preference is to remain in Philadelphia — the only organization he’s ever known.
So maybe now since it’s going to vest, the phillies can guarantee to eat a portion of next season’s cost.
They could have done that previously, Rollins’ 10-5 rights are a bigger impediment.
I’m sure they were going to anyway. The biggest issue will still be convincing him not to veto a trade. I think it’d be easier to convince him than Chase, especially now that they seem to be pushing his buddy Howard towards the door (the timing is no coincidence).
I agree on both of your posts, as I’ve figured that, just pointing out that maybe this was something more they/Rollins were waiting on.
I imagine him singing ‘See My Vest’ a la Mr. Burns in his mansion tonight.
¨ has swiped 19 bases in 24 attempts after stealing just 22 bags in 2014.¨
Did I miss something?
The season isn’t over so he’s on pace for more this year than last.
¨ has swiped 19 bases in 24 attempts after stealing just 22 bags in 2014.¨
Did I miss something?
not really sure what the big deal is… he hasnt been bad and hes the gap till Crawford is the starter in 2016.
It’s 11 million for a mediocre SS that should be moved to rebuild but probably won’t
hes going to be worth almost 4 wins in 2014. Hes above average. If anything this gives them the ability to retain him for a potential move.
Rollins had a bad year last year, and he’s aging, thus lots of people seem to imagine him to be average-at-best.
Despite the fact that he’s the 4th-best SS in baseball by fWAR, the 8th-best by wRC+ (a mere 4 points off 5th), has the 5th-best OBP (.005 from 3rd), has the 7th-highest ISO (.001 off 6th), the 4th-best BB%, and all that with the 2nd-lowest BABIP of any qualifying SS in baseball (at .260, it’s .025 off his career pace, and his lowest since his injured 2010 season).
Derek Jeter?
Phillies aren’t going to be good for half a decade. Crawford is your only good prospect and hasn’t even reached AA. I’d relax before I pencil him in as the starting ss in 2016.
Why would he do that, Rollins and Utley have been the Phillies best position players.
True, but is he going to play well enough next year to be worth $11 million? I doubt it.
1 FA fWAR was worth approximately $6.5MM in 2013 when viewed in retrospect. Assuming it declines a bit (say, down to $6MM) in 2014, and Rollins suffered a season-ending injury before tonight’s game, his $11MM contract will have been worth $15MM.
If we assume that the 2015 value of an fWAR is about the same (it’ll probably be higher, but let’s be conservative), Rollins would need a sub-2.0 fWAR season to not be worth his $11MM vesting option. Considering he’s had 1 sub-2.0 fWAR season since 2002, and he’s on pace for something over 3 fWAR this year, I’m not really sure where your doubt is coming from. Especially given the Phillies’ lack of options at SS in AA/AAA.
Well. That’s that. Good point haha.