Shin-Soo Choo Seeking 7-Years, $140 Million in New Contract

The top rated player remaining on the free-agent market is outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and while the Red Sox were originally tied to him and possibly exploring the idea of bringing his services to Boston, his alleged price tag should diminish those rumors.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Choo is seeking a 7-year deal worth a reported $140 million.  Outrageous?  Not when you consider that Jacoby Ellsbury signed for 7-years and $153 million.

It’s Carl Crawford type money and when considering how quickly that marriage fell apart between him and the Red Sox, the idea of signing Choo just fell out the window, was ran over by a bus and kicked aside to the ditch.

Of course Ben Cherington could be playing possum when he says he’s and his posse aren’t close to any impact moves.  But surely this type of signing would be considered outrageous and somewhat confusing if he would take the plunge.

When comparing Choo to Ellsbury, it’s a close comparison.  To avoid from getting into the statistical and detailed breakdown, if Cherington were to sign Choo then it’s fair to wonder why didn’t he try and keep Ellsbury.

Critics will weigh in on both players and who might be worth more or provide better value to a team like the Red Sox, but to hand out a contract almost identical to what Crawford signed for would be a mistake.

Less years and more annual value is a model that the Red Sox believe in and this type of deal would go against everything they have stated.

Nothing is a guarantee when it comes to baseball and the off-season has proven to expect the unexpected.  But in this case, it’s a safe bet to put your money on the Sox not being involved in the Choo sweepstakes.