Looks like Josh Johnson is staying in Miami for the time being. The Marlins agreed to a four-year deal with their top pitcher. Johnson is one of the best young aces in the game and the deal seems fair for both sides. Aside from the big-time free agents, this re-signing is one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
Johnson said that his “number one goal” was to stay with the Marlins. The terms of the deal are that he will receive $3.75 million in 2010, $7.75 million in 2011, and $13.75 million in the last two years of the deal. The value of the deal seems to be loosely based on the extension that Jon Lester received. Except Lester’s deal goes $3.75/$5.75/$7.625/$11.625 with a $13 million team option for 2014.
On the surface, it looks like the Marlins paid their best pitcher and Johnson gets his wish to stay in Miami. However, I can almost guarantee you that he’ll be dealt after year one or two of the deal. Last year, the Marlins total payroll was less than $36 million. Hanley Ramirez was the highest-paid player at $5.5 million and his extension averages $11.7 million per year. Sure, the Fish are getting a new stadium in 2012 and it’d be nice to open it with an ace. But I seriously doubt that the Marlins are willing to pay any player other than Hanley Ramirez more than $10 million per year. Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox, Yankees, and the other big boys are bidding for Johnson’s services before the 2011 season.
Tags: baseball, contracts, florida marlins, hanley ramirez, jon lester, josh johnson, marlins ballpark, MLB, payroll
