FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday that Darren O’Day asking for a four-year deal in the range of $28-36 million. At the top of a weak free agent class for relievers, it’s increasingly likely that he’ll get it.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Dodgers are pursuing O’Day “big time.” With their resources, they have the ability outbid anyone for a player they really want. And there’s an obvious need for the Dodgers in front of stud closer Kenley Jansen. The bridge to the ninth inning is pretty shaky right now.
Such a contract for a reliever seems crazy on the surface, but it’s hard to say that O’Day doesn’t deserve it. Aside from an injury-plagued season in 2011, the 33-year-old sidearmer has been one of the game’s best relievers dating back to 2009. He owns a 1.92 ERA with 9.7 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 over the past four seasons while making at least 68 appearances in all of them. Competition for his services should be fierce.