I have this player <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1726735" target="_blank">Ivan Blanco</a> at the end of his contract. Been a very good player for a long time but age and length of contract are an issue. I can afford him, but I'm concerned that the last year or 2 of the contract he may not be very useful, being 35 now. Other options are <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3252040" target="_blank">Jonny Fisher</a>, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2666929" target="_blank">Freddie Clayton</a>, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4873709" target="_blank">Yuniesky Quixote</a>, or <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4873782" target="_blank">Roger Cooper</a>.

So, suggestions?

Blanco is the best guy out of the ones you've shown.  It depends what he's asking for.  Price? Length?

Also, <a style="color:black;" href=target="_blank">Ivan Blanco</a>

He's asking 6.033M a year for 3 yrs. I know he's better now, but will he be worth it for the 3 years. He'll be 36,37,38. No guarantee he'll be a viable player at 37 or 38. If it was 2 seasons, I'd def give it to him.

So the contract will run til he's 38?   No.  

A) He cleared waivers.
B) He's on a steep decline
C) He'll likely be a Type A or lower his demands in the off-season
D) Even if he does go to FA, you'll probably be able to get him back because of A and B.  Especially if he's a Type A.

I'd probably let him go.  You can probably find a similar younger player for the same price or less through FA.  But remember that you an always give him a mutual option and decline it after the 3rd year.  

I think I agree with Mike here. I've gotten many players back much cheaper than their initial demands in FA. Also, coming off a very good season, he prob will be a Type A, which will limit his appeal to most clubs at his age.

Just a thought, but if he's asking for $18.1m over 3 years, you can structure the contract like this:

S1: $5.43m
S2: $5.43m
S3: $7.24m with a mutual option (buyout for $1.81m)

In the end, you have him for only 2 seasons for a total of $12.67m (if you decline the final season).

Take the pick, or sign him the cycle before spring training.

I structure nearly all FA contracts the same way that Tec shows, (if they are going to be getting old by the final season, or if they will be losing their skillz).  But, as has been said dont offer any contract to him until free agency starts next season, and wait until literally the last day of free agency and offer him a back loaded contract like that, even better if you think you will have a bit of extra cash this season you can give him a signing bonus which will make his 2nd and 3rd years even less expensive.

At the end of free agency (assuming nobody goes after him) his demands could be half of what they are now, so with a few million in signing bonuses you could possibly have him for as little as 1-1.5 million on his 2nd year and 1.25 - 1.75 mill on his 3rd.

All good advice. Thanks guys.