What’s Teixeira Worth? You Tell Us
Word on the street yesterday was that the Boston Red Sox had offered free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira an 8-year, $175-180MM contract. Today, it sounds like Boston’s offer was closer to $165-170MM. The Angels’ rumored offer has been greater than $160 but less than $180, while some speculate that the Nationals have ponied up $200MM. All the same, everyone seems to be offering 8 years — and agent Scott Boras seems to be holding out for a $185MM offer from a team that doesn’t suck.
Recently, I kvetched about a feeling of “inflation” in baseball — Mark Teixeira’s good, but is he really a $200MM guy? I don’t happen to think so. But what do you think?
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December 21st, 2008 at 6:08 pm
not to sound like scott boras…but has the market ever seen such a sure thing. probably not since A-rod.
one of the all-around elite players in his prime…any team will get their money’s worth. he’s certainly a more solid investment than CC sabathia…
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December 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I agree that Teixeira is a sure thing. He surely will OBP .370-.400, at least for the first couple of years. But he surely won’t play a skill position. Is that kind of production from a first baseman worth $200MM? I don’t think so. Not when Adam Dunn, who is also a sure thing (he’s hit exactly 40 home runs four seasons in a row) is available for much fewer dollars and years.
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December 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Intriguingly, the Angels seem to have pulled their offer. Tex’s remaining offers are from the Nats (8 years, 160 mill), O’s (7 years, 140 million), and Red Sox (8 years, 170-175 million). The Yankees made a low offer that they have since pulled, according to Buster Olney.
So my question is, why should Boston even offer 175 million? They’re still well ahead of the Orioles and Nationals, and they actually have a winning team. Usually it’s the bad teams that have to pay a premium.
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December 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Usually the bad teams have to pay a premium because most free agents prioritize winning (to some degree). I could be wrong, but I don’t get the impression that’s the case with Teixeira. I think it’s all about money and living near Baltimore.
Isn’t it amazing that this offseason two of the biggest free agents on the market were hellbent on staying close to Baltimore? I love Baltimore. I was born there and most of my extended family lives there. But I can honestly say (and anyone who has ever seen “The Wire” can attest) it is kind of a pit.
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December 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
To be honest, am I the only person on the planet who thinks this guy is completely overrated? You can all feel free to berate me here but…I honestly hadn’t even heard of him until this year. where the hell did he even come from? and he wants Manny money? come on!
sorry but I just cannot get onboard the Teixeira train. we all know Boras is just gonna cocktease this one up. 15m a year is my max, and I aint goin over 6 years.
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