Lackey wants an extension, but do the Cards?
Getting John Lackey for just over $500,000 is certainly a bargain for the 2015 Cardinals. Not often does a pitcher of Lackey's caliber pitch at such a discounted rate, but due to some language in Lackey's contract, St. Louis is getting a great deal.
However, that discounted rate only helps the 2015 Cardinals and does not take the future into account.
According to Viva El Birdos, "[Cardinals General Manager John] Mozeliak and Lackey's agent discussed reworking the deal but those talks proved fruitless," over the offseason.
"It seemed that paying Lackey more in 2015 only made sense for the Cardinals if he agreed to a team-friendly extension that included 2016 in some way, shape, or form—perhaps a club option at a discounted salary. That Lackey is under contract for 2015 only at $507,500 indicates that such the two sides were unable to find common ground."
However, if the team's were unable to strike a deal last offseason, is that a sign that the 2015 season will be Lackey's last in St. Louis?
Then again, the Cardinals aren't exactly hurting for arms right now and resigning an aging Lackey may not be necessary.
"The fifth-starter derby this spring illustrates the initial problem. If Marco Gonzales is not MLB ready today he is close. By 2016, assuming health, the southpaw will be developed to the point that he is ready to join the St. Louis rotation."
(h/t Viva El Birdos)
