2059 Phoenix Talons Sign CF Juan Cabrera to a Masterpiece Contract

[BaseClogger]

1/1/2059

Juan Cabrera Signs with Phoenix

Although this deal includes $16M guaranteed, the way it spreads the payments across six years makes it much easier to plan. Cutting him at any time essentially converts it to a cash expense (no impact to the salary cap). Based on what he was telling everyone in the last sim it seems like Montreal had the top offer of a minor league contract with approximately a $9M signing bonus.

The downside is supposed to be the opt out, but at that point Cabrera would still be under three years of service time, bound to a $2M contract in 2061 before moving to the arbitration process when Phoenix could non-tender him in a worst case scenario. If Cabrera is really good he'll make better money in arbitration--proving this contract a success.

*chef's kiss*

Note, Cabrera is also promised a place in the starting lineup so don't be surprised to see him make the Talon roster on Opening Day 2059.

The 22 year-old Cabrera is a 10-6-6 defensively so he's excellent with the glove. The question is how long it will take, if ever, for him to hit. Previously never playing above A-ball, his trial at AAA Victoria didn't yield promising results. HIs triple-slash was .212/.301/.303. He's supposed to have plus strikeout avoidance but is currently deficient in that area. He's still a 4/6 in power and 5/6 in batting eye. Juan Cabrera is a young but raw player with a lot of room for development.

Last season Phoenix started Manuel Torres 131 times in center field. Torres was worth 3.0 WAR en route to smashing 37 home runs. The 33 year-old is currently negotiating a multi-year contract demand as a free agent. No public indication whether the Talons are still involved in that contest.

Another 24 starts went to 40 year-old Jyri Kulmala who was predictably strong defensively but had a low BABIP and stopped hitting the ball into the gap. He's also a free agent.

[ae37jr]

I love the structure. I'm just not sure if this guy can hit enough to justify $16 million. Hard to judge his stats being he hasn't played much over GBC A-Ball. So maybe I'm wrong.

[RonCo]

He is not going to hit now. The question is whether he will hit in two or three years. Which is possible. He should be pretty decent defensively, at least.

[Dington]

I’d be looking to throw him in the lab to improve his defense. The 6 error needs improvement as his defense is the reason for the contract.

[RonCo]

The 6/6 does dull the shine.

[BaseClogger]

I think 10-6-6 is going to look even better defensively in a year or two. Lots of late 30s center fielders still holding on.

[Dington]

I think 10-6-6 is going to look even better defensively in a year or two. Lots of late 30s center fielders still holding on.

The range plays well, sure, but I'm not sure about the other stuff. A little training and he'd be solid.