The Baltimore Orioles reportedly have offered free agent Chris Davis a seven-year deal for over $150 million to try and convince the slugger to re-sign with the team. The question is: will that be enough?
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports they offered more than $150 million to Davis, who led MLB with 47 home runs last season. ESPN’s Buster Olney says the offer was for around $150 million. However, Davis’ agent Scott Boras said the report of the $150 million offer was inaccurate.
Davis, who will be 30 when the season begins next year, is actually believed to be seeking an 8-year deal worth $200 million, Heyman reports. He may have a hard time finding that.
Davis is a complex case as a free agent. He slugged 33 home runs in 2012, exploded for 53 during an MVP-worthy season in 2013, and he blasted 47 last year. But in between the 53 and 47-homer seasons, the first baseman batted just .196. He also had a suspension mixed in there for amphetamines, which is a concern.
Davis is only a career .255 hitter, so despite the power you know there is a risk that he could tank the way someone like Adam Dunn used to. $150 million is a lot for a risky player like Davis, but the Orioles seem to be intent on bringing him back.
