In what should be a surprise to no one, Jayson Werth reportedly shot down a contract extension from the Phillies earlier this summer, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman:
“The Phillies are said by a source to have initially suggested this summer a repeat of the deal Jason Bay got from the Mets last offseason, which would mean $66 million over four years. But that was summarily rejected by Werth, and he is shooting to redo the $120 million, seven-year contract Matt Holliday got from the Cardinals.”
Given that Werth was heading towards free agency as one of the best hitters in a fairly weak class and that he was most likely already in cahoots with Scott Boras, this news is nothing more than filler on an idle Wednesday early in the free agency period.
While an offer of $16.5MM/year over four years would be considered an overpayment for most players who were nearly out of baseball four years ago, it is decidedly under market value for Werth, who represents the lone Right Handed Five Tool Corner Outfielder party among the current batch of free agents.
Although the veracity of this report is still in question, it certainly makes perfect sense for Amaro and Co. to shoot low during the season in hopes that Werth would acquiesce and take a “home town discount.” Still, it is the opinion of this blogger that the $16.5MM/year salary would be better spent on a certain left-handed pitcher who is very much a fan favorite among the Philadelphia faithful.
Original Story:
http://www.thefightins.com/tr-pierce/...
