According to a report from Fox Sports, the Marlins have extended a six-year contract to Jose Reyes worth $90 million. That would make him far and away the highest paid player in the franchise's history, and if true is an indication that owner Jeffrey Loria really is willing to put his money where his mouth is. Problem is Reyes may not sign for anything less than $100 million.
Reyes reportedly is very interested in taking his talents to Little Havana. Specifically, the all-star shortstop who currently plays with the Mets likes the idea of warm weather and playing for new skipper Ozzie Guillen.
The reported $90 million deal would be the richest in Marlins history. Hanley Ramirez's six-year, $70 million contract extension currently holds the record (and it's worth noting that he too plays short stop, at least at the moment anyway).
New York Post sports reporter Joel Sherman dropped this tidbit on Twitter yesterday: "An exec interested in Reyes said, 'The target is $100 million minimum. Until he gets a deal that starts with a 1, he will not sign.'"
Though the Marlins apparently are in the midst of a spending spree, the team is definitely interested in signing more than just one big name. Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle, and Ryan Madson have all also reportedly been offered deals by the Fish. Though the details of those contracts haven't been leaked.
Only time will tell whether Reyes is content with being the highest paid player in Fish history, or if the team will pony up a bit more to make him one of the highest paid players in all of baseball.
