Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
November 11, 2005
Hideki Matsui's Status

Was Watching is wondering about the status of Hideki Matsui. He doesn't appear to be a free agent in the traditional sense, since he's only been in the league three years. It also appears he would need to clear waivers before he can negotiate with other clubs. Does anyone know why Matsui seems to have special status with his contract up? Was it from language in his original contract with the Yankees, or does it have to do with rules governing players coming from a foreign major league?

Update: Alex Belth sends this link, which seems to clear things up a bit.


Posted by David Pinto at 10:19 AM | Free Agents | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Believe it is because language in his contract dicates that if he is not resigned by Nov 15, the yankees must release him.

Posted by: JB at November 11, 2005 10:31 AM

Yep, it's in his contract. But because it's in his contract, he (and his agent) can agree to extend the deadline of negotiations if they desire.

Posted by: sabernar at November 11, 2005 11:45 AM

Teams control the rights of their players for either thier first 7 years in the minors or their first 5 in the majors, whichever comes first. This applies to all players, regardless of age. Matsui is subject to the same rules as a 16 year old signed out of the Dominican.

Since Matsui just completed his third year, he would have to deny arbitration and clear waivers before being granted free agency. Any player not yet in the majors for 5 years (or 7 in the minors) would have to go through the same process.

Usually this is not a big deal, as young players generally opt for arbitration because they don't have much established in terms of major league earning power, but Matsui is different because he has loads of experience and is an established player.

Any team could claim Matsui on waivers, but he would not be under contract with them, they would just control his rights (much like how the D-Backs control the rights to Juston Upton even though he has not yet signed with them). Matsui could then force free agency by refusing to sign if he really wanted to.

I know a young player did this in the 90s, but I can't remember who. If it comes to me I'll post it.

Posted by: Mike at November 11, 2005 11:49 AM

This article from Japan might also be germane to speculation on Matsui's future:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20051112TDY24007.htm

Posted by: Kurt at November 12, 2005 08:31 AM
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