I’ve spoken about it on the radio and wrote about it here on SportsAgentBlog.com. Josh Johnson wanted a 4-year deal similar to the contract Zach Greinke received last year (4-years and $38 million). The Florida Marlins would only offer a 3-year deal worth $23 million. The gap seemed tremendous; something that would probably lead to a one-year deal between the parties before heading to possible arbitration.
But then something very interesting occurred. Call it fortuitous timing for Josh Johnson and his agent, Matt Sosnick. The Florida Marlins were told by Major League Baseball and the MLBPA that the team needs to increase its payroll to make it consistent with the money it gets from revenue sharing. In essence, the baseball world was coming down on the Marlins for not spending enough money on its players.
Michael Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, said, “In response to our concerns that revenue sharing proceeds have not been used as required, the Marlins have assured the union and the commissioner’s office that they plan to use such proceeds to increase player payroll annually as they move toward the opening of their new ballpark.” Was this the Marlins’ first action taken to assure the union and commissioner’s office that they will use the proceeds? The Marlins and Johnson came to an agreement yesterday: 4-years, $39 million. This looks awfully close to the Greinke contract, and far from the Marlins’ initial demand. A win for Sosnick and Johnson for taking their time to sign. One never knows when news will come up to help your side.
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN,
The deal will pay Johnson $3.75 million this season, $7.75 million in 2011 and $13.75 million in each of the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
