We Got Wood - 46.26 - Financial Future

[7teen]

In the midst of what will be the franchise's best season (we're 2 wins away from a franchise best), a lot of eyes have already started looking ahead to the 2047 season in Portland as expectations for a competitive squad are mounting as the drafted youth are starting to mix in and give the fans high hopes. While the pitching appears fairly secure, questions surround the big league squad on the offensive side and how the finances will look heading into next season. The club only loses two players from the 40-man roster, both offensive starters, and appears to have close to $40 million in cap space to play. A number that could be much higher and allow considerable more roster flexibility if two players decline options for 2047.

The front office and fans alike will wait anxiously this off-season for the decisions from Pedro Rocha and Manuel Martinez. Both players contracts and salaries are currently a burden to the franchise but decisions about their future in Portland for 2047 rest in their hands. Rocha has two years remaining on an option laden contract that will pay the one-time star pitcher $15 million in 2047 and then another $10 million in 2048. Both are options that Rocha holds as a player. After a mid-season injury in 2043, Rocha has never been the same, which has caused Portland's high profile deal to be a major bust. AFter a modest 1.8 WAR that season, Rocha has declined to the point that he's now a negative WAR pitcher who is just cashing a check at this point in his career.

"As a business man, we need Rocha to part ways with us" commented team owner David Wallace, "but it would be financially stupid of him to not stick around and rake in easy money."

While Rocha's decision appears to be a no-brainer on the player's side, the decision for Martinez is a little more complex. Martinez will be paid $10 million in 2047 if he accepts his player's option but then would have his playing fate left up to the team in 2048 as the Lumberjacks own a team option that season. If picked up, Martinez would earn another $10 million in 2048. Martinez has been terrible this season, hitting just 18 homeruns while posting a -0.6 WAR. This just a season after hitting 27 homeruns and posting a 2.5 WAR a season ago.

"Considering the money we owe, we want Martinez gone as well" added Wallace. "He's in a slight predicament as he could easily accept his option and cash in on a $10 million payday in 2047 and then the buyout money we'll pay him next season but risk not finding much after that as a 34 year old free agent. Or he can leave now, perhaps bleed a long term deal out of someone for a low salary and prolong his playing days for a while longer and still earn similar money. Like Rocha, he should probably stay, but we hope he opts out with us this off-season."

The organization has talked with both players and haven't gotten a sense of their decisions just yet. Rumors swirled that the club could use outside funds to perhaps release Rocha of his deal if he were to stay. Releasing him would require the organization to fork over $25 million in extra funds to release them of Rocha's deal but perhaps open up cap space to build up for what the team hopes is a winner next season. The club has stated it will not release Martinez. If he stays he'll stay on with the club for 2047 and then likely have his team option declined in 2048.

[HerbD]

If they both take the options you may be able to give them to a team not expected to win next year. It may cost you a prospect each to get rid of them but they both have some popularity value for a team struggling with fan interest.