Yasmani Grandal Reportedly Declines Brewers' Option and Elects Free Agency
By Karl Rasmussen
Yasmani Grandal took a gamble on himself last offseason, signing a one-year deal with the Brewers.
Well, without a doubt, the gamble paid off, as the backstop turned in a career year with the Brewers, and has lined himself up for a lucrative pay day this offseason.
Per Jon Heyman, Grandal has declined his $16 million option with the Brewers, and will opt instead to test the open market once more.
Yasmani Grandal will decline $16M option, take $2.25M option and become free agent. He won gamble to take 1 year deal in Milwaukee for $18.25M total rather than sign longterm w/Mets ($60M, 4 year reported offer). He can’t receive another qualifying offer and should get huge deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 31, 2019
Last year Grandal decided to sign with Milwaukee on the one-year deal, rather than join the Mets who had reportedly offered him a four-year deal worth $60 million.
He's likely expecting to receive even bigger offers on the market this year after slashing .246/.380/.468 with 28 home runs, 77 RBI and 79 runs scored. The two-time All-Star is set to turn 32 on Nov. 8, but will be one of the most sought after players at his position in free agency.
#Brewers GM David Stearns is hoping to have both Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas back next season. https://t.co/bMrgl6PENK
— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) October 4, 2019
There's still a chance Grandal returns to Milwaukee, though he'll be looking for an improved deal in order to do so. Brewers GM David Stearns has expressed his desire to keep Grandal on the roster, so perhaps they'll have a lucrative offer waiting for the eight-year veteran.