MLB Trade Rumors posted some new information regarding pending free agent Shin-Soo Choo who has been connected to the Mets by various MLB executives in recent weeks.
On of those baseball executives told Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Choo could fetch as much as $90-$100 million on the open market this winter. Shockingly, Choo’s agent, Scott Boras, believes that figure to be too low.
“As a custom of the industry, prognostications by executives this time of year are dramatically divergent from the real market,” Boras told Heyman. “I don’t think anyone correctly predicted what Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford got.”
MLBTR also reports that Heyman checked in with three other execs who were asked to guesstimate what Choo will likely sign for this offseason. Two of them said $75 Million while the other surmised a four-year deal worth $56 million.
If Choo’s next deal is worth $100MM or more, says MLBTR, it would be more than just surprising, it would be historical.
“Of the 43 players that have received nine-figure deals, only six – Werth, Zack Greinke, Ryan Zimmerman, Mike Hampton, Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran – had just one All-Star selection before putting pen to paper. Choo, meanwhile, has never made an All-Star team.”
Last week, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer ventured that Choo’s strong season should put agent Scott Boras in a position to ask for at least a four-year, $60 million contract. Many thought that was a starting point and not an ending point.
Heyman has linked Choo to the New York Mets on several occasions believing that the outfielder “fits the bill” for what the team need this winter.
That said, many of Choo’s teammates have been lobbying Choo to re-sign with the Reds and GM Walt Jocketty said he’s committed to retaining him and plans to engage Boras in negotiations after the season. Choo has also expressed a desire to stay and has become a fan favorite in Cincy.
(Hat tip to Vin for the link)
