:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49092661/usa-today-8834128.0.jpg)
When a player is traded, more often than not, the team adding the player pays the remainder of that player's contract. It does not appear to be any different with a member of a front office.
The facts are rather clear:
- Once the Marlins parted ways with Jennings, he joined the Nationals as an assistant to General Manager Mike Rizzo.
- Miami learned Washington would only be paying Jennings $115,000. As a result, they have to pay the difference between that and the $1.5 million the Marlins owe him, according to Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post.
- The Marlins were "fuming" because they believe it is "well below a salary commensurate with his responsibilities," according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.
- The club lost the grievance, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Miami created an odd situation when the front office decided to have Jennings move from the front office to the dugout. Some players reportedly had issues with Jennings' lack of experience, but the Marlins were still able to end the season with a solid September.
Multiple reports indicated Jennings had interest in remaining the manager in 2016. That never appeared to be a real possibility, as the Marlins preferred a candidate with experience. Eventually, they landed Don Mattingly.
Since he is no longer a Marlins employee, Jennings should not be receiving checks from the Marlins. But he is, and considering his deal with Miami runs through 2018, he likely will be for a long time.
Although the Marlins filed a grievance, it is likely any club Jennings is working for will report a lower salary. Why should they pay more when the Marlins are paying Jennings anyway?
Whether its acceptable or not, that will likely be the attitude. Jennings is valued as a scout and front office executive. He will almost certainly become a general manager again in the future. But when additional money can be saved, it will be spent on players.
Rosenthal notes Jennings is expected to serve primarily as a scout this season. While that could be true, he will likely have some influence with regard to the decisions the Nationals make.
When the Marlins decided to part ways with Jennings, they had to have expected this would be the case. When Jennings was asked to become the manager, those throughout the league who supported the move lauded his reputation and abilities.
The Marlins weren't going to get rid of his salary. Given his reputation, they should have figured he would not have difficulty finding a new job.
Miami made a move, but the organization created the situation. Now, they are paying Jennings to work for a division rival.