Josh Hamilton's Asking Price Is Seven Years, $175MM

[pwaldo]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/1...ars-175mm.html

Josh Hamilton, ranked second on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agent List, is said to be looking for a seven-year contract worth $175MM, tweets John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus.

While the asking price doesn't match the length Albert Pujols received from the Angels last offseason, it would put Hamilton, represented by Moye Sports Associates, on par in terms of average annual salary at $25MM. Hamilton is widely regarded as the best free agent position player available, but he may have trouble finding a club with the financial flexibility to sign him. It hasn't, however, stopped reports of teams like the Braves and the Brewers being intrigued by the possibility of signing the five-time All-Star.

[yazfan71]

I wish him luck! The Braves or the Brewers can have him for that price!

[the 'stache]

I'd love Hamilton in Milwaukee, but not to the tune of $25 million a year. He and his agent are nuts. The guy is a great player, but his age (he'll be 32 to start the season), his issues, and the fact that he's missed 238 games in the last four seasons...ah, no.

[Devlin]

Rangers tendered him a 1 yr offer. I don't think he'll get the years or the money he is asking. i'd be vey surprised, as will most of us on here. pretty knowlegible group.

[gladdyontherise]

I'd love Hamilton in Milwaukee, but not to the tune of $25 million a year. He and his agent are nuts. The guy is a great player, but his age (he'll be 32 to start the season), his issues, and the fact that he's missed 238 games in the last four seasons...ah, no.

Yep, now if it were say 4 years and 85 million, I could see plenty of teams with interest (although I'd still not want him on my team at that price).

[baseballboy2]

Only a fool would sign him for anymore than 4 years. He isn't very young, not to mention all of his past issues that often come back to haunt him. He is the epitome of headcase.

[the 'stache]

Yep, now if it were say 4 years and 85 million, I could see plenty of teams with interest (although I'd still not want him on my team at that price).

Agreed on both counts. I'd sign him to a 4 year deal, and I could come somewhat close to his per-year asking price. Hell, we paid Randy Wolf and Francisco Rodriguez a combined $17.5 million, and they will both be gone. So some money will be freed up.

If Josh wants that kind of cash, he's going to have to perform to get it. I'd make the contract highly incentivized. Play 140 games, get a chunk of that guaranteed money. Hit 30 home runs, get more. Hit 40, get more. Drive in over 100, more unlocked. Drive in 125, cha ching.

He's capable of doing it, but the contract with incentives means he should hypothetically play with more control. No more running into the wall chasing a fly ball. I appreciate the effort, but not the month you're going to be sitting on the bench nursing an injured shoulder.

Though Jerry Narron and Josh are quite close, I don't see him coming to the Brewers. But thoughts of this lineup....makes me giddy for just a moment:

SS Jean Segura
RF Norichika Aoki
LF Ryan Braun
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Aramis Ramirez
2B Rickie Weeks
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
pitcher

Holy God.

[Devlin]

That is not a bad lineup. Better staighten out that bullpen. Really cost the B's last yr. Wouldn't mind seeing another smaller market team making a nice run. it's good for the game

[gladdyontherise]

Agreed on both counts. I'd sign him to a 4 year deal, and I could come somewhat close to his per-year asking price. Hell, we paid Randy Wolf and Francisco Rodriguez a combined $17.5 million, and they will both be gone. So some money will be freed up.

If Josh wants that kind of cash, he's going to have to perform to get it. I'd make the contract highly incentivized. Play 140 games, get a chunk of that guaranteed money. Hit 30 home runs, get more. Hit 40, get more. Drive in over 100, more unlocked. Drive in 125, cha ching.

He's capable of doing it, but the contract with incentives means he should hypothetically play with more control. No more running into the wall chasing a fly ball. I appreciate the effort, but not the month you're going to be sitting on the bench nursing an injured shoulder.

Though Jerry Narron and Josh are quite close, I don't see him coming to the Brewers. But thoughts of this lineup....makes me giddy for just a moment:

SS Jean Segura
RF Norichika Aoki
LF Ryan Braun
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Aramis Ramirez
2B Rickie Weeks
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
pitcher

Holy God.

I get this feeling that the Tigers might end up on him. They need a corner outfielder (granted as just a stop gap until Castellanos and Garcia get more seasoning), but Mr. Ilitch wants to win now, and said money won't be an object, and, well...the Prince Fielder signing makes anything possible.

However, I hope I'm wrong, he's a good player, but the Tigers don't need more left handed hitters or long term deals. I'd rather them focus on extensions with Verlander and Cabrera, and sign a guy like Torii Hunter.

[spuds1961]

Don't worry the Yankees will be foolish enough to sign him,what's one more overpriced superstar going to matter.