Melvin Roman, the agent for Brewers infielder Jonathan Villar (among others), said today on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (Twitter link) that Villar is “willing to bet on himself and go year-to-year unless they approach us with a contract that makes sense.” Villar reportedly rejected an extension this offseason that would’ve guaranteed him around $20MM. While it’s difficult to dissect that offer without knowing the exact amount and length, there are several instances of players in Villar’s service class securing quite a bit more.
Jason Kipnis, Matt Carpenter and Rougned Odor each signed in the vicinity of $50MM. The Brewers could rightly argue that Villar doesn’t have the track record that any of those three players did upon signing, of course, though Roman could cite Jose Ramirez’s $26MM deal and Villar’s superior power/speed numbers in arguing for a larger sum. Or, the two sides could go the route that the Twins went with Brian Dozier when he signed a four-year, $20MM deal that locked in his arbitration salaries but didn’t extend the club’s control. That’s all just a quick and rudimentary look at some recent comps, with the greater takeaway perhaps being that Villar isn’t inclined to take an especially club-friendly deal at the risk of short-changing himself.
More on the Brew Crew…
- Brewers center fielder Keon Broxton escaped serious injury after a frightening hit-by-pitch today, writes Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Broxton was hit in the head by a 93 mph fastball from Rockies rookie Anthony Senzatela, but was fortunately wearing a helmet with a “C-flap” — the increasingly popular helmet that extends protection with a flap that covers a hitter’s cheek. Broxton, who considered reverting to a traditional helmet this spring, said he believed the pitch that struck him would’ve connected directly with his eye socket had he not had the extended flap on his helmet and vehemently encouraged teammates and players around the league to begin donning the same type of helmet. “I’m grateful I kept that thing on, and I encourage every player to use it,” says the center fielder. “Even if you’re uncomfortable with it, guys, it saved me. I know it’ll help out a lot of other players as well. The best thing about this game is being healthy and being on the field.” Broxton was diagnosed with a small nasal fracture but won’t require a DL stint.
- Milwaukee optioned right-hander Taylor Jungmann to Double-A Biloxi today, per a club announcement. The move creates a spot on the 25-man roster for waiver claim Nick Franklin, who will join the Brewers this weekend. Per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Twitter link), the Brewers are being selective with their minor league assignments for pitchers this season. Jungmann and pitching prospect Jorge Lopez both struggled considerably in Triple-A Colorado Springs last season — a notorious hitters’ haven — thus prompting the Brewers to slot them in Double-A. In writing about the move, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy notes that Jungmann righted the ship in Biloxi last season, so perhaps the friendlier environment will be advantageous. This, McCalvy adds, is Jungmann’s final option year, so it’s a fairly pivotal season for the former first-round pick.
Interesting to see what the brewers do in 2018 when their player development contract is up with Colorado Springs, maybe a switch to the international league is in within their sights, could set off ripple effects through out the pcl and international league
I never understood why the Rockies didn’t stay with Colorado Springs. Yeah, it’s horrible for pitchers, but it’s a more realistic preparation for Coors Field than any other AAA city.
good call, the team ownership has to ask why local fans would pay to see a AAA team play when you can drive a little further ( depending on where you live) and pay a little more to see the big leaguers play.
Because you get to see players trying their hardest to survive and make the team, and the night out doesn’t cost $100 minimum per person. I much prefer Raniers games with $2 beers than Ms games where I can’t eat out for the rest of the month if I buy 3 beers.
After watching jungmann vs Colorado, I am pretty much done with him. For some reason he can pitch ok in the minors, not c-springs, but when he comes up to mil, he forgets everything and reverts back to his terrible self. Granted competition is way tougher, but I saw pitches not close to the strike zone, including almost hitting 2 batters. Time to let him go. Bust draft pick.
…Brewers infielder Jonathan Villar, said today on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (Twitter link) that “willing to bet on himself and go year-to-year unless they approach us with a contract that makes sense.” …
Translation: after one good year out of five, pay me like I am a free agent ($20,000,000 per year for 10 years).
Try not to trip and blow your knee out villar
I don’t completely understand it. Villar is a little bit better version of Chris Carter. Yes he steals a ton of bases. He also gets tossed out a ton. He also plays bad defense. He forgot to cover second on a throw from Braun getting to the bag barely in enough time to get the throw. He has already been picked off base and caught stealing. He was “athletic” enough to make a diving stab at an in field pop up but it still bounced off the heal of his glove. That play in particular could have ended the inning on a double play but instead the Rockies go on to score four more runs.
Yet despite all this he wants big money? Let him play out his contract or keep him until Isan Diaz or Mauricio Dubon is ready to take over second base. Stearns wants to give him a big contract? At least give him another year to prove he is worth the money.
“Villar is a little bit better version of Chris Carter.” While I understand where you’re trying to take this, that’s a really strange comp, and Villar’s kind of a lot better than Carter honestly
Villar is a bad defensive player, but that’s not out of place on the Brewers. I don’t quite understand their mindset on this but having such bad defenders at basically every position hurts their pitching staff, which is already pretty middling. Making mediocre starters throw extra pitches because their infielders can’t make outs behind them is a recipe for disaster.