If you offer a FA a max contract and he says you're in the lead but he's waiting to see if something better comes, does that mean he doesn't want to sign with you, or is it just a standard thing for him not to accept right away?

He can still get bonuses. I assume you offered 5 years at $20 mil/year? Well he can still earn over $20 mil for next season with a bonus. Say you add a $5 mil bonus. His contract would read:

Year 1: $20 mil
Year 2: $20 mil
Year 3: $20 mil
Year 4: $20 mil
Year 5: $20 mil

However, if you click on his profile after the signing, it would list his franchise salary as $25 mil.

But also, if another team matches your exact contract offer, tiebreakers are usually used. Hitters are more likely to sign with a team in a hitters park, and vice versa for pitchers. And other than bonuses, there is also that no-trade clause and options. I for one don't like to offer a no-trade clause, but I always make the last season a mutual option.

By max contract, I mean 5 x $20mil + $10mil bonus. If a player doesn't accept right away, does that mean you're screwed as soon as someone else comes along?

Posted by Jtpsops on 3/1/2012 6:40:00 PM (view original):
By max contract, I mean 5 x $20mil + $10mil bonus. If a player doesn't accept right away, does that mean you're screwed as soon as someone else comes along?

Ah ok, no I don't think you are screwed. The player has a pre-determined deadline that he will sign by. Since this is an elite player, he will take a long time and milk it to the end. If someone else offers the exact same contract, it will go to the "tiebreakers" I posted.

What are your park factors? And is this guy a pitcher or position player? I think the quality of the fielding instructor comes into play for position players as well.

edit: and again, there is also the no-trade clause and options that sweeten the deal. I lost a battle for a good FA because someone else was willing to offer a no-trade clause and I wasn't. And I actually offered more money.

Well it looks like you got your guy Jtpsops