Miami already signed Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term contract this offseason, and the Marlins are not yet content. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Marlins offered ace Jose Fernandez a six year, $40 million extension that includes a pair of club options.
off big stanton deal, marlins make offers to fernandez, 3 other young stars. it's 6-yr bid for jose. http://t.co/gh3suGE3jA
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 1, 2014
Fernandez is coming off of Tommy John surgery, but posted a 2.44 ERA and 2.18 FIP in 51.2 innings in 2014. The Marlins made it clear earlier this offseason that they want to extend several members of their young core, and Fernandez was among the extension candidates. In 2013, the National League Rookie of The Year winner posted a 2.19 ERA and 2.73 in 172.2 innings. Despite the fact that he was injured last May, the Marlins rightfully see Fernandez as a key part of the front of their rotation moving forward.
If Fernandez were to accept such a deal, it would ensure that he would be a Marlin through all of his arbitration years and two years of free agency. As Heyman notes, should Fernandez accept the two club options, he could be a Marlin until he is 30.
Considering Fernandez is represented by Scott Boras, it is unlikely that such a deal would be accepted. Boras has a reputation for encouraging his clients to survey the market before making any decisions. General Manager Dan Jennings told Heyman the Marlins are confident a deal will get done, however, and the fact that Fernandez is coming off of an injury and has yet to return to a big league mound might facilitate the process.
"We'll get it done. We'll get it done with Scott, too; we'll just have to rassle a little harder," said Jennings, using his down-home Alabama phrasing.
Just as the Marlins were quick to get a Stanton deal done, they may want to work quickly for a Fernandez extension. Fernandez, though, only has just over a year of major league experience, despite the fact that he was the NL ROY and finished third in the National League Cy Young race in 2013. Signing Fernandez to such a deal may be risky, but it could pay off for the Marlins.
While Jennings told Heyman the organization is optimistic, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal doesn't believe the proposed deal will be accepted.
Would be shocking if Fernandez, a Boras client, gave up 4 FA years. His breakthrough at 20 surpassed Sale’s at 23 and Bumgarner’s at 21.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2014
Would be shocking if Fernandez, a Boras client, gave up 4 FA years. His breakthrough at 20 surpassed Sale’s at 23 and Bumgarner’s at 21.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2014
Heyman also notes that the Marlins have extended offers to Adeiny Hechavarria and Christian Yelich, and could make an offer to Marcell Ozuna at some point this week. All three are expected to be a part of Miami's core moving forward.
In their effort to keep their better young players, the Marlins also have made long-term offers to outfielder Christian Yelich and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, and they're due to make an offer early this week to outfielder Marcell Ozuna.
Stay tuned to Fish Stripes for the latest!