Thursday, November 13, 2008 |
50% Off Still Not Enough To Get A Deal Done, Big Unit Files For Free Agency
Johnson, unable to reach a contract agreement with the Diamondbacks, opted for free agency on Thursday, the final day players could file."Randy instructed us not to file for free agency until we made every effort to reach an agreement," Johnson's agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, said in a statement. "The Diamondbacks have a budget based on their club's financial situation and obviously viewed Randy's contract in that context. Randy considered every reasonable compromise including offering to take a 50% pay cut, all to remain a Diamondback. However, the economic situation did not lend itself to an agreement."
Johnson's two-year contract with the Diamondbacks averaged $13 million per season. His actual salary last season was $10 million.
The Diamondbacks' offer, then, did not exceed $5 million. It was believed to be in the $2 million to $3 million range.
Five victories short of 300, Johnson intends to pitch next season, but almost certainly will sign with another team.
"Randy can be a difference-maker," Meister said. "I expect there to be significant interest."
Labels: diamondbacks, transactions
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