WEST VIRGINIA — Starting pitcher Martin Cantin said he’s working on a contract extension with the Alleghenies.

Cantin wouldn’t discuss years and salary, but he told reporters that a deal could come before the season ends.

The Alleghenies had no comment on the report.

According to several insiders, the 30-year-old Cantin is seeking a 5-year deal, around $8 million per season. Cantin quickly denies this rumor.

“I can tell you right now that me and my agent are on top of this. I don’t know where are these numbers are coming from. I can assure you that these numbers didn’t come from our camp. At this point, we are not ready to give out the numbers on the table. You’ll hear it from me or the team when the deal is done. The closer responded to the press.

Cantin may not be considered as a top tier closer in PEBA, but he currently leads the franchise in games pitched (424) and saves (130). It would be interesting to see how the new management would look at this. The new regime could easily pay Cantin and what he’s asking for, just for respect alone.

The direction of the team is also a big factor in this signing. If the new management is in “win now” mode, this signing would be a no-brainer. However, if the plan is to rebuild next season, it would not make sense to sign a closer for a boatload of money. The Alleghenies had some chances to make noise this year, at least in the wild card, but that hope was quickly diminished after the lastest sim. Mathematically, however, the Alleghenies are still alive.