The Rangers are only interested in Prince Fielder short term.
The Rangers have expressed interest in a shorter-term deal, perhaps along the lines of a six-year contract that would allow Fielder to “opt out” after three or four years. If Boras and Fielder are intent on the longer term deal, talks with the Rangers will likely end abruptly. It’s very possible that the Rangers would still have to look into moving some contracts in order to get seriously involved in Fielder. The Rangers could possibly create some flexibility by dealing Scott Feldman, David Murphy and Koji Uehara, who stand to make a combined total of about $14 million this year.
I would guess this is good news for the Nationals. One less big bidder for Prince helps their cause.
That could work for Fielder. 6 year deal for 100 million. 3 years making 20 million, followed by 3 cosecutive player options at 13.3 million. If he thinks he can do better than 13 million after the 3rd year, he opts out.
Rangers could afford this if they decide not to extend Hamilton whom I think is an even bigger risk than Fielder since he is always injured and is a risk to go off the wagon once he locks in a long term deal.
By any sane standards, that’s a sweet deal–if Fielder is anticipating a cataclysm that might render him incapable of getting better than thirteen and a third million a year after three years, he should suck it up and start saving his pennies rather than whine about how much the Rangers are disrespecting him.
What is with these opt-out clauses? They seem like a horrible deal for the team, which carries much of the risk of a long-term deal with none of the benefit.