Reports: Marlins Offer Jose Fernandez Contract Extension

After Giancarlo Stanton signed his 13-year, $325 million contract a couple of weeks ago, Marlins’ fans had to be asking what was next for the team’s plans to build a winner in South Florida. Well, Jeffrey Loria and company could be on their way to answering that.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Miami Marlins have offered Jose Fernandez a six-year, $40 million contract extension. In addition to Hernandez, the team has also made extension offers to left fielder Christian Yelich and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.

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The 22-year old Fernandez has been one of the bright spots for the Marlins’ franchise ever since he busted onto the scene in 2013. After winning rookie of the year in 2013, the Cuban pitcher was on his way to success with a 12-6 record and a 2.77 ERA. He began 2014 with a 4-2 record to go with a 2.44 ERA. Then, Miami found out Fernandez needed Tommy John surgery after leaving his start early back on May 9 against the Padres.

Fernandez can’t be a free agent till 2019, but he is scheduled to be arbitration eligible in 2016. Despite talks of an extension, it could be tough to work out with Scott Boras as his agent.

In terms of Yelich, Heyman points out in his article that an extension for him could be centered around the deal the Pittsburgh Pirates gave for right fielder Starling Marte, which was six years for $31 million. Last season, Yelich hit .284 in 144 games with nine homers, 54 RBI’s and won the Gold Glove award at left field.

With this news, Marlins’ fans should feel a sense of optimism that the team is looking to make moves after the Stanton deal. They are also looking to “add a bat or two to support Stanton in the lineup.” Plus, as Dan Jennings, Miami’s GM, said in the Heyman piece:

"“It could be a lot of fun for a lot of years.” (h/t CBS Sports)"

Next: MLB Rumors: Marlins Interested In Brett Anderson?

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