I have several players in a world that have very high patience and makeup ratings.  In hopes of stealing another year from them before entering FA, I was wondering how common it is to be able to sign a player with such ratings to a long term deal after taking that player into his 3rd year of arbitration?  Thanks in advance for any help.

Like with anything, you take the risk into your own hands. There are never any sure bets and it would be terrible if that 18 win pitcher with a sub 3 ERA or that slugger that hits 40 homeruns and ends up with 100 RBI's decided to walk all because you wanted 1 more year.

If they are players you want to keep, why would you risk losing 5 seasons of them to save some $ in one season? Even if they're 90% likely to resign, the risk would only be worth the reward if they are players you wouldn't mind losing. However common it is for them to sign, it wouldn't be common enough that I'd risk it with a player of more than marginal value. There's also a good chance their demands would increase next season, so long term you could be losing money while risking their loss.

The third arb. year is typically more expensive than the LT contract.  Not worth the risk for someone I'd want to sign LT.

They'll probably be willing to sign their next contract as well.

all good points, thanks for the help guys

Sign 'em now