What’s the alternative to these extensions?
We could sign more free agents and those same type of risks exist, and at a higher price.
We could trade Riley and Olson (the Rays model). But that simply doesn’t make sense when you can support a $200m payroll.
Given the increase in $ per war this off-season, locking in great players at yesterday’s prices are slam dunk wins. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any risk, but alternatives and context matters.
And that's the issue. There really is no alternative. The minor league system is barren. The Braves can't and won't afford top end free agents. So the only realistic path is to sign these extensions of high end talent and save some money in the process. Not saying it will work, but I'm also not sure what a clearer alternative was.
It’s a very solid plan, and I’m not trying to say otherwise (though I’ll flat out state I’m against the Olson extension). I’m just pointing out the full cost of the plan. These players didn’t just decide to be charitable and give the Braves a discount. They got something in return…a massive shift in risk.
Even if the Mets deal falls through, I doubt Correa signs another short-term deal with a high AAV. He basically did that last offseason, played well, and (in this scenario) two teams have still walked away due to medical concerns. So I don't think there would be much upside for Correa in another prove-it deal -- if he signs a one-year contract, hits the ever-loving crap out of the ball again and hits free agency one more time next year, the medical issues are still going to be there. I suspect he and Boras will just aim at getting as much money as possible for as long as possible -- maybe the Twins will still honor their 12/$285 offer.
If this deal falls through, Correa's value falls with it imo
No doubt. But even if that happens, and even if the Twins aren't willing to go back to 12/$285, could Correa and Boras still get, I don't know, 10/$250? Maybe 8/$220? Definitely disappointing, but locking in over 200 million in guaranteed money seems like a better bet than signing another short-term deal and hoping you can come back in another year or two and get the long-term deal you want with more miles on the tires and the same medical concerns.
If the Mets take back the offer, no way Correa accepts less imoWhat are the odds the Mets walk away? I doubt it with Cohen and all his money.
What are the odds the Mets walk away? I doubt it with Cohen and all his money.
Yeah, realistically I think this is too far along and the likeliest result is that they tweak the deal in some ways to give the Mets more protection.
Though I suppose if what they see on the tests is truly terrifying and potentially catastrophic, then you just deal with the embarrassment and walk away. But I think that's probably doubtful.
Seeing the Mets get stuck with Correa would be great. How did they not look at the physicals before agreeing to a deal? Idiots.
What’s the alternative to these extensions?
We could sign more free agents and those same type of risks exist, and at a higher price.
We could trade Riley and Olson (the Rays model). But that simply doesn’t make sense when you can support a $200m payroll.
Given the increase in $ per war this off-season, locking in great players at yesterday’s prices are slam dunk wins. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any risk, but alternatives and context matters.