Morning Wood - 59.03 - Rosales Opts-Out; Becomes Free Agent

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We interrupt the barrage of team award postings to bring you important off-season news of the roster variety. With the 2058 season now in the books and players and teams making decisions towards their options, we need to report that Pedro Rosales has decided to opt-out of the remainder of his contract with Portland and become a free agent. The outfielder will leave $53 million in guaranteed money over the next 3 seasons to see what he can get on the free agent market.

"It's a bold move" said one BBA General Manager. "To leave that kind of money on the table and try and find more or something long term is a risky move for a 30-year old outfielder in this league. Personally, I think Rosales will regret this decision while the powers that be in Portland celebrate his decision to move on."

Portland General Manager Chris Wilson, who hasn't had a formal press conference in months, did release in a statement that the team is saddened that the player who has accumulated 8.1 WAR over the last 3 seasons in a Lumberjacks jersey has chosen to move on, the team isn't bothered by the decision as it frees up some money the team would like to spend elsewhere.

During his 3 year tenure in Portland, Rosales was a fairly decorated player. He was an all-star in 2057, won the team's top offensive award in 2057, and claimed a Charles Puckett Silver Slugger Award for his hitting efforts in CF in 2056. As mentioned, he produced 8.1 WAR for the team while playing subpar defense in centerfield, but during that time he also belted 79 homeruns which included a career best 33 longballs in 2058. He also drove in 282 RBI in the middle of the Lumberjacks order with another career best 102 RBI back in 2058.

The outfielder will now seek another deal as a free agent. It's worth noting, the transtion to v25 was not kind to Rosales and it is very likely he made a big mistake by opting out.

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I wonder if the game knows there will be a sudden downturn in performance next year, either injury or something else, so it makes the player make a normally irrational decision.

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I wonder if the game knows there will be a sudden downturn in performance next year, either injury or something else, so it makes the player make a normally irrational decision.

My experience is when players begin to sense that downturn they are LESS likely to opt-out.

I really wonder had we transitioned to v25 before decisions were made if Rosales would have made the same decision.