Mets in the Driver's Seat with Lowe

Reports continue to come out that the Mets are in discussions with Scott Boras, the agent for both Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. It’s widely believed that the team’s first choice is Derek Lowe, and being that there is little competition out there for him, the Mets are in the driver’s seat in terms of negotiating.

Boras is asking for a 5 year deal worth upwards of $80 million, which there is zero chance he gets from the Mets. Due to financial prudence by every team except for the Yankees, Lowe at best is looking at a 4 year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million. Most likely it will be an offer from the Mets at 3 years and $36 million.

Oliver Perez is really getting screwed however. Being that Boras is the agent for both him and Lowe, and the Mets are the only team seemingly willing to give a pitcher a large contract, it limits the negotiating ability for Boras. And as Lowe is the more prized player, it is in Boras’ best interest to get the better deal for Lowe, and worry about Perez later.