I have a SS who is 29 and is in his final year of arbitration. I would like to lock him up long term and keep him off the market, but he's asking for 5 years which I do not want to do. My question is, do guys ever budge on their demands? Is it possible he'd sign for 3 years? I haven't had much experience in this area but don't ever remember seeing guys take less than what they are asking for in terms of years and dollars. Thanks 

I can't remember seeing any player take less years. I know they will take more. It's all about total dollars, if you give him the same amount of money in three years that he is asking for in five he would take it. I think I'd rather give him the 5 years and front load the contract.

You can also backload the final year of the contract and give him a mutual option.

If you give him the same amount of $ over less years, I believe he will accept the deal.  But he won't take less money.

A bug you can take advantage of....

You arbitrate the guy.
After it is settled the paragraph is still there to give you the option to give him a long term contract.
Click the link.
Offer him 5 years.

Now you can have him for the next 6 seasons!

...if you leave that screen for any reason, I do not believe that you can go back to it.

Just curious how much is he asking for over those 5 years?

Luis Ontiveros he wants 32 million over 5 years

A bug you can take advantage of....

You arbitrate the guy.
After it is settled the paragraph is still there to give you the option to give him a long term contract.
Click the link.
Offer him 5 years.

Now you can have him for the next 6.

Interesting. In that scenario, If you offered a team option and they declined will it still let you go back to the original (5 year) demand? I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to lock up a top young player to a 7 year deal without risking them walking away from arbitration with nothing and departing as a free agent at season' send.

The option year would be for year 5 of the extension (year 6 overall in this case).  There is no way to add another year to get to 7.

I offered him a 4 year deal with the money declining each season. Much better deal for my team. Thanks for the help