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Sticking Points 2040.4: Palacios Finishes 2nd in Sawyer Silk, Gets Extension

Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2019 8:33 am
by aaronweiner
Before there was Julio Barajas, there was Lorenzo Palacios. Palacios, the 2035 Joe Gillstrom Award winner, four-time Golden Bat Award winner and this year's runner-up to got a big payday this offseason, garnering a six year deal with a fourth-year opt out.

"This was my dream as a kid growing up in Framingham, Massaschusetts," said Palacios, 25. "I dreamed that some day I would be a big leaguer and everyone would know my name and I'd win championships and be a multimillionaire playing the game I love," said Palacios. "It's all come true and I couldn't be a happier person if I tried."

Palacios had a .345 batting average with a 1.028 OPS last season. He hit 38 homers and 51 doubles and was second in the league in wins above replacement, his best season so far as a professional. But Palacios has also been a hallmark of excellence since joining the league, as he has posted a WAR of at least 4.3 in every one of his five full seasons.

"Lorenzo has been nothing but consistently spectacular since joining the team," said starting pitcher Arthur Dempster, himself a stellar performer. "We're really happy he's decided to stay with us."

Palacio can opt out of his contract in the fourth year, when he turns 29, and there's a fair chance he might. Unlike Dan Cannon's extension, the team didn't backload Palacios, so he has some incentive to opt out. There are reasons why the team might do so, including an boom of talented young outfield prospects in the Rockville minor leagues.

"Obviously we want Lorenzo with us a long as possible, but we also wanted to honor his wishes to have the opportunity to opt out of his deal," said Rockville GM Aaron Weiner. "He's a superstar and deserves superstar considerations."