As free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole seeks a record-breaking contract this offseason, fellow free-agent Madison Bumgarner has also reportedly set a high bar for teams to sign him.
According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, MLB teams were informed by Bumgarner’s representatives that he is seeking a five-year deal worth at least $100 million to sign.
It’s certainly difficult to blame Bumgarner for the set asking price given the accomplishments in his career.
Bumgarner’s postseason track record, including in 2014 when he recorded a 1.03 ERA and 0.65 WHIP across 52.2 innings, is outstanding and he can be a workhorse in a rotation. He also showed improvement after the All-Star Break this season by lowering his batting average allowed from .259 to .228, which also reduced his WHIP from 1.20 to 1.04.
The southpaw has received interest from the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and could draw attention from the Cincinnati Reds.