Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Shane Victorino Wants Five-Year Deal
Shane Victorino is set to hit free agency after the 2012 season, and the Philadelphia Phillies center fielder has stated he wants a five-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Victorino, 31, is finishing up the final year of a $22 million contract he signed prior to the 2010 season. Last year, Victorino enjoyed arguably his finest major league season to date, hitting .279/.355/.491 with 17 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He led the National League with 16 triples, made the All-Star team, and finished 13th in the MVP voting.
Victorino is renowned for his stellar defense, and in fact, has the highest career fielding percentage by an outfielder in the game’s history. He is a five-tool player with power, speed, and a cannon arm, and he has logged at least 580 plate appearances for each of the past four seasons.
The Phillies will have hefty financial decisions to make with Cole Hamels slated to hit free agency after the season as well, plus sizable ties to Ryan Howard, and Cliff Lee. Hunter Pence is also set to hit the market following 2013, and reports have said Pence could get as much as $100 million.
Whether or not the Phillies re-sign Victorino will ultimately depend on his health and production this season, as well as the development of former top prospect Domonic Brown, who is expected to begin 2012 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
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