Free agent negotiations are strange thing sometimes. On one hand, you have those players that decide to sign their deals right away, at the first sign of a suitable offer. On the other hand, there are those that decide to play the waiting game, regardless of what offers are out on the table. Neither way is right or wrong, in all reality. They're just...different.
It's all a guessing game, when it comes down to it. If you choose to sign immediately, without letting more offers come in, are you giving yourself a fair chance to make the most money you can? Some might contend that signing right away equals signing too early, that the opportunity to consider other potentially greater offers is missed. Some may also suggest that the first offer received may potentially be the best available, and consider it a smart decision to take it. Yet others believe that letting all offers filter in, and giving yourself options is the best course of action.
In the case of Michael Cuddyer, the jury is still out. Cuddyer received a 3-year, $24-$25 million contract offer from the Minnesota Twins a little over one week ago, thus far the only offer received, at least publicly. Prior to that offer, there had been mild interest shown by a couple of teams, namely the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies, yet, neither have offered the right-handed outfielder a contract.
As the days went on, the Twins found themselves coming to a crossroads. Do they hold out for Cuddyer to make a decision, hoping he elects to accept their offer and re-sign with the Twins? Do they pursue other options in the outfield, assuming Cuddyer receives a better offer from another club? Do they somehow find a way for both?
At first glance, it appears they may have chosen the second option. On Thursday, they finalized a 3-year, $21 million deal with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Willingham would be the right-handed outfield replacement for Cuddyer in the Twins' lineup if they are not able to re-sign the 11-year Twin. Given the decision to trim the payroll in 2011, it doesn't seem as though re-signing Cuddyer would be an option anymore.
That being said, if the Twins are now out of the picture, where does that leave Cuddyer? One week after the Twins made their offer, the Cuddyer camp is still awaiting that elusive "other" offer from one of the other interested teams. Is this an instance of possibly waiting too long? With Willingham signing for only $21 million for three years, has Cuddyer's value now been lowered in the eyes of other ball clubs?
Some people with knowledge of the Twins have suggested that maybe Cuddyer's decision to possibly sign elsewhere is not a money-based one. The current direction of the team may also be a huge deciding factor for him. Being 32, his drive to contend for a World Series Championship may be greater than any desire for a big contract. If that's the case, then look for Cuddyer's decision to come much later, as contending teams put the final pieces of their puzzles together. However, if the decision is primarily value and money based, then look for a team in the middle of the pack to snatch up Cuddyer to be a strong leader in their clubhouse.
One way or the other, we should know soon.
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