Spring training is also extension season, and Steve Adams and I previewed things on a recent edition of the MLBTR Podcast. Several players have inked arb-only deals, and there have been a pair of interesting contracts for injury-risk relievers, but thus far only Dee Gordon (Marlins) and Brandon Crawford (Giants) have landed truly significant contracts this winter. There are already rumblings about some big names who could dabble with long-term negotiations, many of whom pose significant questions to their organizations.
Here are a few links to the latest extension chatter:
- It does not appear that the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg have any intentions of making a real effort at a new contract, as Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports. Agent Scott Boras had high praise for the Washington organization and its handling of the prized righty, but his comments suggest that a pre-season deal would come as a major surprise. “We amicably agreed to a one-year deal (for 2016),” Boras said. “He’s going to pitch, and we’ll see where it goes from there. It’s something we’ll be discussing at the end of the year.” None of that comes as much of a surprise, of course, as Strasburg has a chance at a huge contract if he can put up a healthy and productive campaign.
- There may be slightly more daylight for an extension in the case of another NL East, Boras-repped ace — Matt Harvey of the Mets — according to a report from ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin. Unlike Strasburg, Harvey can be controlled for two more seasons after 2016, so there’s quite a bit more ground to cover before he hits the open market. Harvey said he hasn’t heard any talk of negotiations, but indicated he would be willing at least to consider a long-term arrangement. Boras, meanwhile, provided a trademark analogy to explain his stance: “Expectations of an extension are like dinner invitations. They are always politely considered until you know the restaurant.”
- The Blue Jays have yet to open talks with slugger Edwin Encarnacion, his agent Paul Kinzler tells Morosi. That’s not surprising with camp still on the horizon, but the new Toronto front office has made clear it intends to make an effort to reach agreement with Encarnacion (and fellow star Jose Bautista). Kinzer indicated that he believes there’s plenty of time to work something out, with Encarnacion very open to the idea of foregoing free agency for the chance to cement his legacy with the balllub.
- Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz says that he doesn’t think the time is right to discuss a new deal, as Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports. “I still think I have some stuff to prove before we even get into [extension discussions],” Buchholz told Mastrodonato. Boston probably feels similarly, particularly given that the roller-coaster righty is already controllable for 2017 (his age-32 season) by way of a $13.5MM club option.
Please Rogers folk over the money everyone knows you have and pay Edwin and Jose
While they should definetly pay one of them, I don’t see paying both of them making sense long term. You’re gonna have two aging stars who rely on power to produce. In a couple of years, contracts to both of them might severely restrict the team from making moves. Considering their price tag will probably be in the $20 million AAV range, moving their contracts if one or both of them struggle won’t be easy either. Plus, it might make more sense to only sign one since it will give the team more flexibility defensively/positionally.
Giving JD 15M a year I can’t see the Jays giving either of them more then the raining MVP.
JD’s contract wasn’t an extension but rather buying out his arb years for cost control reasons (instead of letting it go to arb and having a random figure, the Jays will know exactly how juch JD will cost). On the open market, JD will probably get a contract in the $22-$25 million AAV range. They shouldn’t be paid more than JD, I definetly agree with you, but that $15 million figure JD is currently getting is more arb numbers than open market.
i hope arroyo rubs off on the wash staff. strasburg, and the rest, should thrive under arroyo leadership.
Seriously doubt Dombrowski, even Cherrington previously would make Bucholz a rich man over another 4-5y (after the 2017 option), even if by some miracle he put up a Cy Young caliber season reminiscent of his 2010 season.
It would require him to do 2 things of late hard for him to do:
1) Stay injury free an entire season. Nearly a miracle.
2) Him maintain focus, almost as big of a miracle.
I have a feeling Mr Bucholz will be long gone after 2017, if not during the 2017 season, even if he is pitching well and the team is in the competition for the crown, much like Garciaparra was flipped in ’04. A bad penny with value.
Yankees are going after Strasburg hard when the season ends. They have almost $38 million coming off the books with Teixeira and Beltran. He would look good in pinstripes.
Funny thing is they will need all $38 million in order to sign him, I heard he expects to crack the $400 million mark for a single contract.
I think you have him mixed up with Bryce Harper. No way Strasburg gets 210 mil .
I think the dodgers make a run at strasburg unless DeLeon or Urias is ready
If Strasburg finishes the year healthy, it’s very likely he’ll get over $200 million+.
Haha the Yankees can have stras and all the injuries that come with him
Strasburg isn’t getting a $400 million contract. Probably a 7-year deal at age 28. I would say he gets $200 million. Yanks didn’t spend this year so they can next offseason. Next big free agent after that will be Harper after the 2018 season. Just my opinion.
and thats all they will sign, machado will get an extension with the o’s