Mike Pettine on Sunday vs. Steelers: “We’re not going there intimidated”
November 13, 2015Exclusive interview with Roy Farmer – Browns Friday Fumble – WFNY Podcast – 2015-11-13
November 13, 2015Colby Rasmus, a free agent outfielder, was discussed as a potential Cleveland Indians target by FanGraphs’ Dave Cameron just last week. The 29-year-old former first-round pick was expected to receive a free agent contract of at least $12 million annually over 3-4 years. Of course, that made the odds of the Indians signing him fairly low, but he remained an intriguing free agent name.
However, Rasmus was one of 20 free agents to be extended a qualifying offer by his team. That restricted his potential free agent value because his new team would have to sacrifice its highest non-protected draft pick next summer. Thus, on Thursday, Rasmus became the first player in MLB history to accept his team’s qualifying offer. The deal, valued at the average salary of baseball’s 125 highest-paid players, will pay Rasmus $15.8 million for the 2016 season.
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the news. Rasmus, who earned just $8 million last season on a one-year deal with Houston, is taking a major gamble on himself in terms of overall dollars. However, next year’s free agent class is expected to be much weaker in terms of outfield starters. This year, Rasmus was set to compete with Jason Heyward, Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, Dexter Fowler, Ben Zobrist, etc.
For now, the Indians could continue to consider one of those start outfielders. It is more likely that they’ll consider one of the non-qualifying offer free agents, starting with Zobrist on down. It is even more likely that they’ll focus on the trade market, using one of their tantalizing starting pitchers or some of their minor league prospects to add to the major league roster. The early-season injury of Michael Brantley could make the outfield even more of a priority.
Stay tuned in the coming days for more trade and free agent analysis from the WFNY crew. It’s very early in the process so far, but Rasmus’ historic decision leaves one option off the table for GM Chris Antonetti and the Tribe.
8 Comments
Anyone else think Houston is less than thrilled to be paying Rasmus $15.8 million next year? Had to be banking on no-one accepting so far and the potential draft pick…
Anyone else think Houston is less than thrilled to be paying Rasmus $15.8 million next year? Had to be banking on no-one accepting so far and the potential draft pick..
let’s just say I suspect there is a reason Toronto is hurriedly attempting to sign Estrada to a 2 year deal now.
I recently read that Rasmus doesn’t plan on playing for many more years. The years in Saint Louis and Toronto took a toll on him and he wants to retire young and live on his ranch with his family. He may of taken the one year deal with the higher annual value because he may look to retire soon and doesn’t want to be locked in to a multi-year deal. I could see him continuing to do single year extensions until he is ready for the farm.
How to EARN 98568$?week??? I can tell you If you are some intelligent you make many more Dollars.I am also earning many more, my relatives wondered to see how i settle my Life in few days thank GOD to you for this…You can also make cash i never tell a lie you should check this I am sure you shocked to see this amazing offer…I’m Loving it!!!! ☻ ▼ ▼ ▼
»»»»»»»»» Go to my Account For WEB ADDRESS where you earn DOLLARS…..
estger
How to EARN 98568$?week??? I can tell you If you are some intelligent you make many more Dollars.I am also earning many more, my relatives wondered to see how i settle my Life in few days thank GOD to you for this…You can also make cash i never tell a lie you should check this I am sure you shocked to see this amazing offer…I’m Loving it!!!! ☻ ▼ ▼ ▼
»»»»»»»»» Go to my Account For WEB ADDRESS where you earn DOLLARS…..
afwet
Google tell you that how to EARN $56258/week??? If you are some intelligent you make many more Dollars.I am also earning many more, my relatives wondered to see how i settle my Life in few days thank GOD to you for this…You can also make cash i never tell a lie you should check this I am sure you shocked to see this amazing offer…I’m Loving it!!!! ☻ ▼ ▼ ▼
»»»»»»»»» Go to my Account For WEB ADDRESS where you earn DOLLARS…..
sdfset