It’s been rumored that the Yankees are hot on his tail.
Lee reportedly told a Texas teammate that if the Rangers guaranteed him a seventh year, he’d be back.
If the Nationals throw $25 million (or more) per season at him, how can he say no?
While it certainly seems like a three-team race for the 32-year-old Lee at the moment, things can change at the blink of a lash on the MLB Hot Stove. Having said that, let’s take a look at how his addition would impact the three teams mentioned above.
New York Yankees
The odds-on favorite to land his services, it’s not like another team can actually outspend the Yankees. Proving to be the only pitcher in the postseason that the Yankees couldn’t beat, it only makes sense that they’d try to lure him to the Bronx on a lucrative free-agent contract.
Already with several massive long-term investments, Lee would form an insane duo with CC Sabathia atop the New York rotation that would undoubtedly be the best in baseball.
If Phil Hughes can repeat his 2010 success and/or AJ Burnett proves to be worth anything at all, the Yankees will have one of the most formidable rosters in MLB History.
Texas Rangers
After acquiring Lee from the Mariners, he was invaluable to the rotation.
Posting a sparkling 1.00 WHIP and a K:BB ratio that would make just about anyone drop their jaw, his importance to the team cannot be understated. Should they fail to re-sign Lee, it’s probable that the team will turn their attention toward acquiring Zack Greinke from Kansas City via trade.
Frankly, that might be the better scenario.
Stocked with prospect depth in the minors, the Rangers have all of the tools necessary to pull the trigger on a mega-deal that would bring in Greinke. While he might not be quite the same pitcher that Lee is, the Rangers can save themselves a boatload of money and several years of commitment by going with the cheaper option in the talented Greinke.
Washington Nationals
Did you really think any free agent would willingly go play for the lowly Nats? They had to give Jayson Werth that ridiculous mega-deal to put themselves at least on the radar.
Backed by a billionaire owner, the Nationals have far more to spend than most might think. Very serious about acquiring a front-line starter to give a face to the rotation, a seven-year offer worth upward of $25 million per season may be too attractive to turn down.
While he won’t single-handedly bring success to the Washington franchise, it’ll be a very positive step in the right direction.
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