The Miami Marlins may not trade Jose Fernandez this year or even in the next two years, but it would be fairly shocking if they signed him to an extension before he is eligible to hit free agency after the 2018 season.
A friend of Fernandez recently told Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald that the Marlins believe Fernandez’s agents are going to command $30 million per season when the 23-year-old signs a long-term contract, and the team is not willing to pay that. Even if the Marlins were willing to go that high, there’s no guarantee Fernandez wants to stick around.
According to Jackson, Fernandez’s friend claims the right-hander has “soured” on Miami’s front office.
A friend of Jose Fernandez said among the things that upset Fernandez about the Marlins were the team’s trades last summer and the removal of pitching coach Chuck Hernandez (replaced by Juan Nieves). The friend said former Marlins player Jeff Baker soured Fernandez and others on the front office.
That is hardly a surprise. A previous report claimed Fernandez has asked the Marlins to trade him on multiple occasions. While it’s obvious the relationship is not a strong one, Fernandez is under team control for three more seasons and the Marlins know how valuable he is. They won’t trade him until at least 2017 unless they receive an incredible package.
Let’s also not forget the comments Fernandez recently made about his future in Miami. Between the salary he will command and his status with the team’s brass, it’s highly unlikely that Fernandez will be with the Marlins beyond 2018.
