Over the last couple of days, we’ve talked about the right field situation and Nick Swisher‘s impending free agency.
We’ve all talked about what kind of deal would be fair for the Yankees to offer Swisher, if they were going to try and retain his services for 2013 and beyond.
However, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Swisher may be looking for a ridiculous contract..
According to Heyman, Swisher will be looking for a Jayson Werth type deal, which was seven years and $126 million with the Washington Nationals back in December 2010.
Werth has yet to live up to that contract, as he was awful in 2011 and has spent a lot of time on the DL this year.
In the simplest of terms, Jayson Werth is one of the most overpaid players in baseball, and I’m sure Nationals GM Mike Rizzo would go back and stop the signing from ever happening if he could.
In fact, if Major League Baseball had the NBA’s amnesty clause on a certain player, I’m sure Rizzo would use it on Werth and rid that deal off his payroll.
Now, Swisher, who will be 32 years old by the time free agency starts, is reportedly looking for a similar deal.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the world of Swisher and would like to see him back in pinstripes for next season, but not for seven years and $126 million.
At best, I would give Swisher a three-year deal worth around $39 million, which would be at $13 million per season.
Swisher is making $10.25 million now in 2012, and that’s a fair amount given what Swisher does with the bat.
His playoff numbers are nowhere near what they should be, but his 20-plus home runs and 80-plus RBI in the regular season is what will get him paid in the offseason.
The fact that he can also play first base will help his case for a team looking to give him a decent contract in the winter.
But what in the world is Swisher thinking if he honestly thinks he’s going to ask for Jayson Werth money?
Does he honestly think any team is going to pay a 32-year-old outfielder $18 million over the next seven years?
The Nationals did it with Werth, and they are regretting it every single day,
Swisher is a good player, but not worth over $100 million by any stretch of the imagination. If he does, he will be waiting by a phone that never rings all winter, except from his agent, who will advise him to lower his alleged demands.
When the offseason begins for the Yankees, their top priorities are Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano.
Plus, the team also has to figure out Russell Martin, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain.
Also, Mariano Rivera will be a free agent again and if he’s pitching in 2013, he’ll require a deal as well.
Clearly from the list that I have provided here, the Yankees and GM Brian Cashman have a lot of priorities come November.
Swisher might be on there, but not at a seven-year, $126 million price tag. Cashman will gladly thank Swisher for his time and service and wish him well.
Between now and the time the 2013 season begins, it’ll be interesting to see if Swisher’s demands drop or if he honestly thinks he can pull that kind of deal off.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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