Adam LaRoche refuses to accept qualifying offer as he tests free agency - MLB Update
First baseman and a Gold Glove winner at this position, Adam LaRoche joins the free agents in the offseason, after he refused to accept qualifying offer made to him by Washington Nationals.
Earlier he declined the option which the Nationals exercised on him, indicating his intention to be valued through free agency.
LaRoche is among the top performers for the Nationals in the last season. Both offensively and defensively, his contributions were stand out.
Adam signed a two-year contract with the Nationals in 2011. While he was not up to the mark in his first year, he made up for it in 2012 regular season by putting up extraordinary shows at the plate.
Right now, LaRoche is looking to capitalise on the impressive offensive numbers that he posted during the season.
By stepping into free agency, he aims to see as to how much worth his performance has been in monetary terms. Indeed, the amount of money the interested organisations is willing to offer him in the free agent market will be a rightful reflection of it.
As per the reports, there are a number of clubs that have signing LaRoche on their agenda, which means that the Nationals can expect some fierce competition as they bid for their first baseman in the free agent market.
LaRoche is looking forward to a multi-year contract as opposed to a short-term trip in any organisation. Such a demand from him will put the Nationals in a dilemma, because these days expecting a player to perform permanently hardly turns out to be true.
Thus, accepting to grant LaRoche a contract worth more than two years is extremely risky for Washington.
While LaRoche draws interests from several clubs, it cannot be believed that he will certainly earn the desired deal. Just like the Nationals, the rest of the teams will have their apprehensions.
It will be fascinating to see how different organisations vie for acquiring LaRoche in the offseason.
Regardless of what LaRoche is dreaming of, the Nationals are going to do everything they can subject to their constraints to make sure he stays with them for another season.
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