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MLB Rumors: Marlins, Dee Gordon working on big extension

By Kyle Franzoni

Jun 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) runs the bases and scores a run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) runs the bases and scores a run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Marlins aren’t known for spending big dollars on players, but they’ve shown an ability to lock up young players with extensions.

When the Miami Marlins acquired Dee Gordon from the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2015 season, there was some concern among the baseball world that his breakout 2014 campaign was a flash in the pan. However with a need at second, the Marlins took a chance and found out that Gordon has just started to show the tip of the iceberg.

Now the Marlins are betting there is still more to come.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Marlins are discussing the framework of a multi-year extension with the All-Star second baseman after Gordon won the National League batting title by hitting .333/.359/.418, led the league in hits with 205, and stolen bases with 58. Gordon also took home his first Gold Glove award and a Silver Slugger for his efforts.

The Marlins have been busy extending their young players over the last two seasons, inking both Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich to multi-year pacts since 2014, and reportedly approached Jose Fernandez about striking a deal as well. While Fernandez declined, Gordon seems to be open to negotiating a deal while the time is right.

As Heyman notes, the Marlins are looking to strike a five-year deal, which will buy out all three years of arbitration, as well as the first two years of free agency. Such a deal would carry him through his age-32 season, giving him a chance to hit the free agent market again in 2020.

However, Gordon wants to make it more advantageous to him and wishes to push the deal to seven seasons. While he would be outside of his prime when the deal comes to a conclusion, reducing his earning power on his next contract, Gordon seems willing to trade that in for a guarantee up front.

A final deal may inevitably happen, and will likely be found in the middle somewhere, either through more guaranteed money within the five-year term the Marlins want, or by adding options to the end of the initial deal.

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