The San Francisco Giants have begun discussions on a long-term contract with franchise catcher Buster Posey, according to multiple reports.
The reigning National League Most Valuable Player will earn $8 million in 2013 in his first year of arbitration eligibility. A super-two player, the 25-year-old will head to arbitration three more times.
A new deal could simply buy out those three seasons, as add years to delay his potential free agency.
A CBSSports.com report suggested that a 10-year contract might not be out of the question, while ESPN’s Buster Olney surmised that Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto’s 12-year deal could provide a road map. Further, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal estimated that a seven-year, $120 million extension could be attractive to both sides.