It seems the Miami Marlins are not done handing out contract extensions this offseason. The team’s already extended outfielder Giancarlo Stanton with a record breaking $325-million dollar, 13 year contract. They have now reportedly offer their young ace, Jose Fernandez, a $40 million, six year contract offer, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman.
Fernandez, 22, enjoyed plenty of success in his rookie season with the Marlins, pitching to a 12-6 record over 28 starts. His ERA was a fantastic 2.19, only allowing 42 runs in 172.2 IP. Add in 187 strikeouts and he’d take home Rookie of the Year honors while finishing 3rd in NL Cy Young voting.
His second campaign would only last eight starts. Taking the mound on May 9th, Fernandez was pulled from the matchup early and would end up undergoing Tommy John surgery, missing the rest of the season. He was 4-2 in those eight starts, with a 2.44 ERA and 77 strikeouts. If it wasn’t for the injury, the Marlins might have made it to the playoffs as a wild card team.
While his performance was promising before the injury, a six year contract extension is somewhat risky for a young, up and coming star who’ll be coming off major surgery. As much as everyone hopes he’ll bounce back to his healthy, hard-throwing ways there are no guarantees. He might not be the same pitcher again. Fernandez should be ready to return this summer.
Heyman also notes that the Marlins have extended contract offers to outfielder Christian Yelich and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria. They are expected to make an offer to Marcell Ozuna in the coming week.