Dodgers starter Zack Greinke is on the record with his assessment of rotation-mate Clayton Kershaw's seven-year, $215MM megadeal, telling Ken Gurnick of MLB.com that Kershaw will earn "maybe … a little more than I thought, maybe a million a year more." The always-frank Greinke says the deal is likely fair for both sides, though he adds that Kershaw's opt-out clause, which could allow him to enter the free-agent market at age 30, may tilt the pact in favor of the pitcher. "The opt-out is big … That's the main reason you might say it will be better [for Kershaw]," Greinke said. Greinke, of course, has an opt-out clause in his own contract that could see him hit the free agent market again after the 2015 season. Here's more from baseball's Western divisions:
- The Diamondbacks will likely send whoever loses the battle for their shortstop job to the minors, GM Kevin Towers told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, with veteran Cliff Pennington expected to make the club as a backup. Towers is already indicating that Didi Gregorius may be the favorite over Chris Owings, however, noting his strong play in 2013 as a rookie.
- Athletics stars Josh Donaldson and Yoenis Cespedes both say they'd like to remain with the A's beyond their current years of team control, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Cespedes reportedly turned down longer-term deals with other clubs for his current four-year deal with Oakland, which will allow him to become a free agent again at age 30. However, he says his preference will be to remain with the A's if he receives equivalent offers from Oakland and another club at that time.
As a cubs fan I hope Soler turns into what cespedes is. He’s fun to watch. Also never expected a throw in to the rich harden trade would turn into an MVP candidate even if just for a season. I think he was a catcher too
As a ranger fan cespesdes needs to cool off at the start of the season
But on the other hand, the Dodgers didn’t have to go 10 years for Kershaw. He has a good deal for himself, but if things do go south, they have a max commitment of 7 years.
Very good chance the Dodgers are only on the hook for 5 years/$150M. We’ll see what happens after that.
if he stays healthy. He is a machine, but he really has a lot of innings on his arm already, an injury would not surprise me. Although I do hope the best for him. I like that they kept him, but didn’t have to go age 36 on him.