Waiting for King Felix…
November 10, 2009, 7:00 pm by iYankees · 8 Comments
From Joel Sherman (NY Post):
The other great starter who could become available is Seattle’s Felix Hernandez. But Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said: “Felix is our property for the next two years. He’s one of the best going in the game and we look forward to having him.”
The Yankees, Red Sox and Rays made a push for Hernandez at the July trading deadline. Hernandez has two years to go before free agency. Zduriencik would not say if the Mariners have tried to open long-term negotiations. But a rival GM said, “If you are Felix Hernandez and you know the Yankees are out there with the possibility of maybe giving you $200 million in two years, why would you sign now, especially for any kind of hometown discount?”
Could Felix Hernandez, who was a 6.9 WAR player this year (a number which translates to $31.2 million), really receive a deal worth $200 million or more? Assuming that he continues to improve as a pitcher and produce seasons as effective as his stellar 2009 campaign, then yes, I believe that it’s definitely a possibility for him to receive such a deal. Along with his tremendous talent, the inevitable financial windfall is primarily the product of King Felix’s young age, as he’ll only be 25-years old at at the end of 2011, when he files for free agency (he’ll likely be 26 once he dons his new team’s uniform for the first time in 2012). Therefore, an organization can afford to provide him with more years and, of course, more money. Now, will the Yankees be that team? The “rival GM” quoted above seems to believe they will be and I sure hope he’s right. Hernandez’s potential is, simply put, incredible.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
I would do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get King Felix in pinstripes. This guy will be the best pitcher in all of baseball for the next decade. I would give them Hughes, Joba, Austin Jackson, Jesus Montero, anything the Mariners want. This guy is that good and is worth it. It is IMPERATIVE to keep him out of Boston as well. He will dominate for a long long time. Go get this guy NOW. Do not wait the 2 years.
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I don’t think the Yankees should actually trade for Felix, especially since it will take an arm and a leg (several other body parts, as well) to get him and then he’ll be gone in 2 years (and, if he goes to free agency and you try to retain him, then you’ll have spent $200+ million and prospects). That trade could sting for a long time. I say, wait it out then sign him. His age and talent will make him a no-brainer.
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Well if they were to trade for Felix it would be contingent on Felix signing a long term deal with the Yankees when the trade is completed. I would not trade for him only to have him be a free agent in 2 years. I agree though, if he’s a free agent in 2 years, you give him whatever he wants!
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Agree on all counts, Matt. He won’t sign an extension with anyone as he’ll want to test the market. Since he’ll probably get the biggest deal ever for a pitcher, I can’t blame the guy. When he’s available, the Yankees need to pick him up and, as you said, will have to give him what he wants.
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Agreed – I say Cano and prospects (whoever they want) if and only if he agrees to multi year deal. Otherwise, wait and conscentrate of 1 and 2 year contracts remaining that free up a ton of cash in 2011. (Same as they did in 2009)
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If he agreed to an extension, oh yea, I’d do that. The Mariners have Jose Lopez at second, but I guess they could always move him to first base. Eh, either way, I think Felix is a Mariner until he hits the open market at the end of 2011.
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There’s no way he would agree to an extension. He wants free agency and knows he’ll get a big deal. That’s why teams will not want to trade for him. Giving up your best prospects for 2 years of Felix is a lot!
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