MLB Rumors: Breaking Down Cliff Lee's Free Agency Options
Despite a flurry of movement at baseball's winter meetings, free agent pitcher Cliff Lee remains unsigned.
But that doesn't mean he hasn't been fielding offers.
According to reports, both the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are bidding aggressively for the ace and an agreement may soon be reached. However, with some of the contracts that are being handed out (Jayson Werth - seven years/$126 million, Carl Crawford - $142 million), the price for the 31-year-old left-hander has become astronomical.
Lee and his agents have all the leverage right now in negotiations and any number of teams may be interested in his services. Here's a look at the teams believed to be in the hunt for Lee, and which one may have the advantage in eventually striking a deal.
New York Yankees
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The Yankees are considered the favorites to sign Lee, but that's pretty much only because they have the biggest pocketbook.
New York is rumored to have offered Lee a six-year, $140 million contract, which is likely more than any other team has proposed at this point. But is it enough to get a deal done, and does Lee even want to play in New York?
The Yankees definitely have a need in their rotation for a pitcher of Lee's caliber with only C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Philip Hughes and Ivan Nova projected as the starters. They especially need a left-handed starter to combat Boston's lefty-heavy lineup.
But Lee may not appreciate being paid less than his former teammate Sabathia, who will make $23 million each season until 2015 (unless he opts out of his contract next season). He may also not be too intrigued by the prospect of pitching in the AL East.
The Yankees are going to have a very difficult time competing with the Red Sox, with or without Lee, and the pitcher may have a better chance to win elsewhere.
Texas Rangers
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The Texas Rangers have one major advantage in negotiations with Lee and that is the fact that he's already had success there.
In 15 starts for the Rangers after being acquired from Seattle, Lee had a 3.98 ERA, two complete games and an 8.0 SO/9 rate. He was even better in the playoffs, giving up only two runs in three starts before struggling in the World Series. Texas could be poised to return the playoffs if they can bring Lee back.
Lee's price tag hasn't kept the Rangers from remaining in the conversation, but Texas' reluctance to give him seven years might steer him to a team that does.
Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim
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The Angels need to make a major splash in free agency after losing out on their top target, Carl Crawford.
The problem with the Angels is their hitting, not their pitching. They already have Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, Scott Kazmir, Joel Piniero and Dan Haren.
But with only Adrian Beltre remaining among the free agent impact hitters, GM Tony Reagins might decide to pursue Lee instead and trade for hitting. Plus, it'd be a major blow to their division rivals who need Lee to stay atop the AL West.
Washington Nationals
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If there's one thing we've learned about the Nationals this offseason, it's to never count them out for anybody or anything.
They already handed Jayson Werth $126 million on a gigantic, gold-encrusted platter and they may not be done yet. Their payroll obligations for 2011 are at about $70 million, so they could easily find a way to fit Lee onto a team that only had two pitchers make at least 20 starts last season.
The Nationals aren't good enough to contend for a championship yet. But with the great Stephen Strasburg expected back in 2012 and Bryce Harper maybe three years away from being a major league regular, Washington has the potential to be a dominant team next decade.
Boston Red Sox
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How many Yankees fans would renounce their team if the Red Sox managed to land Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Lee all in a single offseason? One million? Two million? The entire city?
It's far-fetched, especially given where the Boston payroll stands at the moment. But the Red Sox have at least spoken with Lee and could definitely use a second lefty in their rotation.
The Red Sox are already the early World Series favorites. Adding Lee would all but guarantee that Boston is playing baseball late into October. If Lee wants to play for a winner, here's his chance.
