Which type of high-profile move would make you happier?

[Frobby]

Let’s assume we sign a player to a significant contract this winter.  Would you prefer that it be a big free agent signing, or an extension for one of our young star players?

Obviously, this could depend on exactly who it is and what the contract terms are.  But, just assume the contract is at market rates/length for the type of contract it is (free agent vs. extension).  And either way, assume we’re talking about a significant player (e.g., Adley or Gunnar on the extension side).   

Which would make you happier, and why?   On the one hand, signing a free agent immediately improves the team, whereas an extension to an existing player doesn’t.   On the other hand, extensions are usually more cost-effective assures in the long run, and an extension that a player we’ve come to know and care about will be here for a long time.  

Thoughts?  I know in the real world this isn’t necessarily an either/or proposition.  But just play along. 

 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Frobby

[RZNJ]

Easy.  The extension and preferably for Gunnar.

[SilentJames]

There is a lot of quality SP on the market this offseason. Go get one. 

[Pickles]

FA are almost always bad long-term propositions.

Extending your own doesn't always work out either, but the odds are far more in your favor.

[Sports Guy]

Extension but only if it’s Gunnar or Holliday.

But these extensions tend to be completely overrated by the fan base imo.

Edited October 12, 2023 by Sports Guy

[vab]

Definitely the free agent signing. There's time to work on extensions with the youngsters. 

[BobP]

I picked free agent. Signing a current player you already control doesn't add incremental talent to the team for next year where adding an free agent who hopefully replaces a lesser player does. While I wouldn't be upset if we signed one of the young players to an extension, it's not important to me. By not signing, it gives these players more incentive to perform since their salary increase depends on performance. Plus, the 2 most talked about - I doubt Gunnar has any desire to sign and Adley may not either.

[Aristotelian]

Extension is much more likely to be team-friendly because we have some leverage. Plus I like our guys and prefer to keep them if we can. 

Of course, many teams do a combination of the two. 

[Aristotelian]

43 minutes ago, Sports Guy said:

Extension but only if it’s Gunnar or Holliday.

But these extensions tend to be completely overrated by the fan base imo.

I would say big splash free agent contracts are by far more overrated. 

[Sports Guy]

Just now, Aristotelian said:

I would say big splash free agent contracts are by far more overrated. 

Ok

[Too Tall]

Signing a FA starting pitcher that would be an upgrade (preferably left-handed and use to pitch in the AL East ) would make me happy. Signing Gunner to a long term contract would make me HAPPIER! Ecstatic even! Gunner > Manny on many fronts as far as I am concerned. But, I have learned to temper expectations. Nice to dream though!

[Sports Guy]

1 minute ago, Aristotelian said:

Extension is much more likely to be team-friendly because we have some leverage. Plus I like our guys and prefer to keep them if we can. 

Of course, many teams do a combination of the two. 

Why do we have leverage?  We have basically zero leverage in these deals. We have the players locked up for X amount of time. We want to keep them longer than that but the players hold all the cards if they want to do that or not.

[DirtyBird]

8 minutes ago, Aristotelian said:

I would say big splash free agent contracts are by far more overrated. 

You realize how many Oriole fans will be dead by the time an offseason extension for Gunnar Henderson matters?

[Aristotelian]

3 minutes ago, Sports Guy said:

Why do we have leverage?  We have basically zero leverage in these deals. We have the players locked up for X amount of time. We want to keep them longer than that but the players hold all the cards if they want to do that or not.

The players are making $700k and guaranteed nothing if they suffer a career ending injury. $100M guaranteed takes care of their family and a few additional generations for life. I'd say that's a pretty strong incentive to sign a team friendly deal, and that's why players like Acuna and Robert are signing these deals. If it works out, the value that the team gets is typically much higher than we are seeing with free agents signing on the open market. 

[Sports Guy]

Just now, Aristotelian said:

The players are making $700k and guaranteed nothing if they suffer a career ending injury. $100M guaranteed takes care of their family and a few additional generations for life. I'd say that's a pretty strong incentive to sign a team friendly deal, and that's why players like Acuna and Robert are signing these deals. If it works out, the value that the team gets is typically much higher than we are seeing with free agents signing on the open market. 

We cans provide security, sure…but that doesn’t mean we have leverage. Players either want to or don’t want to sign these deals and delay their free agency. 
 

They have all the leverage here.