Draftees / Major League Contract Question

[Joshua Biddle]

When it comes to draftees and major league deals, can you offer a maximum of a six year contract? I know the limitations on contract extensions for ML service time < 5 years, but since this isn't a contract extension and is an initial contract, I wanted to make sure I'm clear before offering anything. Thanks

[RonCo]

Good question.

[Spiccoli]

It’s seems like tough gamble for the owner. Wouldn’t you lose all the option years while he’s improving?

So in realty, signing a draftee to a six year deal isn’t the bargain it seems, unless the player is BBA ready in year one or two... like a Bryce Harper.

[Lane]

It’s seems like tough gamble for the owner. Wouldn’t you lose all the option years while he’s improving?

So in realty, signing a draftee to a six year deal isn’t the bargain it seems, unless the player is BBA ready in year one or two... like a Bryce Harper.

Some guys won't sign without it.

[aaronweiner]

If I were ruling on this, and I'm not, but if I were, I would say the 6 year contract is acceptable in this situation.

[bcslouck]

It is a good question and I'd say you're right, its not an extension, so 6 years for him works. But we'll see what Matt says.

[usnspecialist]

My vote is for this being ok as well (if that matters).

[udlb58]

Being that 2 or 3 of those years are going to be just him burning options in the minors, making money when he normally wouldn't, and the 2-3 after that would be on 500k, I wouldn't think 6 years would be an issue. Best case for the team, he's up full-time in year 2, which means years 4-6 are locked in with no arbitration raises and the player is still arb eligible for one year after the contract is up.

[recte44]

Whatever ootp allows is ok here