Big Contracts in and out of Kentucky

[Thoroughbreds]

Although the offseason has just started there have been some major decisions from the Thoroughbreds that will shape the future for the next few seasons.

Shu-de Mu

After it looked like it was almost a lock the Kentucky was going to let outfielder Shu-de Mu go to free agency they did a complete switch after the season ended and signed him to a massive 6 year 115 million dollar contract. The team decided that Mu was just too valuable to let go. Mu was tied for the team lead in WAR (5.9) and he lead the team is OBP (.408) and runs scored (118). He was also second on the team in stolen bases (42). Mu is 31 years old - there are some team and player options in the last 2 years of his contract, but expect Mu to be patrolling the Kentucky outfield for the next 4 years at least.

Bang-Xoa You

In a bit of a surprise move, You opted out of the last year of his contract and the team decided not to resign him. They did offer him a qualifying offer so they might be inline for some compensation should he sign elsewhere. After signing a 6 year 100 million dollar deal with West Virginia in 2032, You was traded a year later to Kentucky for 2 first round draft picks. You is a 2 time PEBA champion and a 2-time IL league champion MVP.
You was coming off arguably his weakest season of his 10 year career and at 31 years old Kentucky decided to move on - a decision that was probably made easier by You's reported contract demands - apparently in the neighbourhood of 25 million dollars over 5 years. Despite still being an above average shortstop, Yuo's 25 errors this season tied him for the league worst.

Naomi Honma

Kentucky started Free Agency with a splash and it sure didn't take them long to move on from Bang-Xoa You. The Thoroughbreds signed veteran shortstop Honma to a 6 year 126 million dollar contract. Honma is a 5 time all star and he should be an upgrade on You. He has spent the past 4 seasons with Diluth always ranking among the league's best defensive shortstops. Considering Kentucky's pitching staff is littered with ground ball pitchers and only one flyball pitcher, this move could pay some huge dividends in the next couple of seasons. If Honma can hit is usual .250 with 20 homers and 30 stolen bases that will be more than enough for Kentucky if he can continue his stellar defensive play.

Chris Brown

Another player who opted out of his contract and it does not look like he will resign with Kentucky is starting pitcher Chris Brown. Brown is a 3 time all-star with a career record of 92-56. He has spent his entire 10 year career in Kentucky after signing as an International Free Agent. Brown spent his first 7 years as a reliever before transitioning to a starting role over the past 3. He has gone an impressive 49-24 over those 3 seasons, but he had some struggles last season, posting a career high in WHIP (1.40) with an ERA near 4. Kentucky could not risk paying Brown - who is now 33 to a long term contract with high wages. Still this lefty starter should garner some attention on the free agent market.

Brad Davis

Despite some rumours, Kentucky has yet to bring back the 41-year old all time hit leader in the PEBA. Davis is still very capable offensively, but at this point in his career the DH position is the only viable position for him. MU resigning should push Rocky Kowalski into the DH spot for the Thoroughbreds. Rumours are Kentucky is still on the hunt for a starting 1b, but that will probably not be Brad Davis.
Never say never though the rumours persist that there is a chance he could return.

[Thoroughbreds]

The busy offseason continued in a huge way for Kentucky today as they have announced the signing of Antonio Santos . Santos is one of the league's premiere offensive players - you will find his name scattered throughout the 2036 leaderboards. He joins a team that was already 5th in runs scored last season - his 49 homers, 6.4 WAR, .984 OPS, .405 OBP, and 120 RBI's all would have led Kentucky last year.
Santos signed a six year 136,200,000 dollar contract which works out to 22.7 million a season. An expensive contract for sure, but for a guy who can produce like Santos it could end up being a bargain, especially during the first few years of the deal.
Santos will likely slot in at first base, the one position of need left for Kentucky to fill. Even though he is not known for his defensive ability his glove will be an upgrade at 1b for the Thoroughbreds.
With the signing of Honma and Santos, Kentucky has signalled that they want to be a contender for the next few years at the very least and they won't be happy with another first round loss, but they do still have a ways to go to be considered any type of threat to Florida.
This signing assuredly ends the Davis era in Kentucky, he will have to look elsewhere in an effort for his elusive championship.

Also of note; Kentucky will receive a conditional first round draft pick after Chris Brown signed a 6 year deal with San Antonio.