:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68773953/1228790276.0.jpg)
Hello and happy Friday.
On Thursday, the San Francisco Giants made the signing of infielder Tommy La Stella official.
OFFICIAL: #SFGiants have signed IF Tommy La Stella to a 3-year contract. pic.twitter.com/fzDmmolvob
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) February 4, 2021
Shortly after, the terms of the three-year came out, and it’s one of the more interesting deals I’ve seen. It’s comically backloaded, with over 60% of the $18.75 million being delivered in the final year, and just $2 million in 2021.
In addition to that, the contract includes annual donations to the Giants Community Fund, though it’s unclear as to why that’s part of the contract. But it’s a nice thing.
Tommy La Stella will earn $2 million in 2021, $5.25 million in 2022 and $11.5 million in 2023. He will also make an annual donation to the Giants Community Fund, which includes $10,000 in 2021, $26,250 in 2022 and $57,500 in 2023.
— Maria I. Guardado (@mi_guardado) February 4, 2021
It makes sense that the Giants would backload the contract. They’re currently in a recession, and suffering from a 60-game, fanless season, and they have a lot of contracts coming off the books after this year. All that said, a back-loaded contract will be a little bit more difficult to trade should the Giants want to move on from La Stella at any point.
Old, random MCC article for you to read
Who would you rather have, Mike Leake or Jeff Samardzija? (Dec. 22, 2015 — Grant Brisbee)
Giants links
- Podcast: Roger Munter talks Giants past, present, and future with MLB.com’s Maria Guardado (There R Giants)
- Kerry Crowley on why Tommy La Stella’s unique contract is good for both sides (Mercury News)
- Katie Woo on Mike Yastrzemski making MLB’s right field rankings (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- John Shea on the Giants standing in the NL West after the Nolan Arenado trade (SF Chronicle)
- Alex Pavlovic on why Tommy La Stella could play some first base (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Mark W. Sanchez on how Brandon Belt’s injury makes Tommy La Stella even more important (KNBR)
How many days until Opening Day?
There are 55 days until Opening Day. Wow.
Have a great Friday, friends.