Hey all.  Just wanted to gauge what other people have experienced.  In one of my worlds I traded for a top line pitcher with 2 years left on his deal.  I have some young pitching in the minors, so I also signed a max pitcher to go along side him, knowing that my young pitching will be cheap when these guys are on payroll.  With that being said, as we rollover the pitcher I traded for has left me know after the season he is going to test the free agent market.  so I have 2 questions.

1.  Has anyone had their guy flip flop in season?  I have seen it happen when a guy is dealt, but not when he stays with the current team.
2.  Is their truly a loyalty factor during FA?  If I am willing to offer this guy the max, will I be in good shape to get it done?  

I would appreciate any response.  If I have the inside track of resigning him, even if it is at more money, then that changes the way I look at this year.

1.  No.
2.  There are several tie-breakers for max contracts.  Loyalty is a part of it but there is some question as to the validity of some of the tie-breakers.

Posted by MikeT23 on 8/8/2012 9:04:00 AM (view original):
1.  No.
2.  There are several tie-breakers for max contracts.  Loyalty is a part of it but there is some question as to the validity of some of the tie-breakers.

1. It is possible, if he is injured during the season and his OVR drops (but then you might not want him anyway).
2. According to CS, loyalty kicks in at 5 seasons. You won't get a loyalty bonus next year.

Never seen it happen "in season".    Ever, even with major injuries.   They have changed their minds after rollover.

Posted by MikeT23 on 8/8/2012 11:28:00 AM (view original):
Never seen it happen "in season".    Ever, even with major injuries.   They have changed their minds after rollover.

I honestly can't recall whether I've seen a change like that in season, but I have seen drastically reduced demands following injury. It would stand to reason it would work similarly with re-signing (since OVR is driving both things) but perhaps not.

You are right though, after rollover it can happen in that situation, which for the OP's budgeting needs to worth considering.