Thursday, February 7, 2013

Possible Extensions for Verlander and Kershaw?

With the deal that King Felix made with Seattle, this brings into question the possibilities of extensions for Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander, who will both be free agents after 2014 like King Felix would have if he didnt sign his extension. Kershaw is likely to become the first $200 million pitcher. He will be 2 years younger than Felix would have been if he hits free agency, and teams wont hesitate to make the would be 26 year old free agent the highest paid pitcher ever. Justin Verlander will be 32 when his next contract starts so his earning potential isnt what King Felix or Kershaw's is overall, but in terms of AAV, I'm sure it will be in the same neighborhood if things stay how they are. I wouldnt be surprised to see a possible 4 year/$110 million extension for Verlander. This would make his current 2 year contract at $40 million a 6 year/$150 million contract with $25 million AAV, and it would keep him in Detroit until his age 36 season. Teams seem less skeptical than they ever have to give out long term deals to front line pitchers. The risk isnt as big as it has been in the past, and thats why we are seeing these huge deals. Front line pitching is this hard to come by and these pitchers are taking advantage of that. David Price will be the next to be in this category if things continue for him.

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