Just in case anyone was still wondering if the Pirates should/could have signed Jason Bay to a long-term deal, as opposed to trading him. Via SI.com:
Star free agent outfielder Jason Bay has declined Boston’s initial contract offer and will head to full free agency, SI.com has learned.
Boston’s offer to Bay was believed to be for four years and “close to $60 million,” according to sources. Bay thus will join star outfielder Matt Holliday and ace pitcher John Lackey as the biggest free agents on this year’s market. The exclusive period for incumbent teams expires Friday at 12:01 a.m., when free agents can begin negotiating with other teams.
This for a three-win player. It simply wasn’t going to happen.
