MLB Rumors: Gregory Polanco turned down six and seven year extension offers from Pittsburgh Pirates
By Hayden Kane
On the one hand, the Pittsburgh Pirates are being patient with super-prospect Gregory Polanco. Despite pressure to call him up to the big leagues to form a mega-talented outfield with Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte, they are waiting to make that move.
On the other hand they have shown that they believe in Polanco’s talent. The 22-year-old has yet to play a Major League game, yet the Pirates have already approached him about a multi-year extension.
Mike Trout‘s pre-arbitration deal with the Los Angeles Angels was groundbreaking in one sense, but it also came after back to back MVP-worthy seasons. When it comes to pre-arbitration extension offers for Polanco and George Springer of the Houston Astros, we are talking about another issue entirely.
Polanco turned down the chance to cash in millions while still in the minor leagues. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has more:
"The Pirates, meanwhile, did not complete a deal with Triple A outfielder Gregory Polanco, who rejected six- and seven-year guarantees in the $20 million to $25 million range, sources say.The length and value of Polanco’s contract would have hinged on whether he compiled enough service time to qualify for an extra year of arbitration. His offer also included three club options that would have increased the total value to more than $50 million, sources say.”"
That’s a big decision for a 22-year-old. You could have financial security before you reach the big leagues, but at the risk of being underpaid as a quality player approaching your prime. Polanco decided to wait for a chance to get a big payday, but it will be interesting to see how other young players handle these situations as they arise.