The long, lucrative contract is the best outcome for a player. It obviously provides both desired elements — top-of-the-market dollars for an extended period.
But as fallbacks go, the power of a player option(s) in a shorter deal offers, well, optionality, including a safety net.
Consider:
— Jordan Montgomery did not land the ideal long-term deal sought after the 2023 season. He did not reach agreement until March 29 and never clicked in well, pitching to a 6.23 ERA. Thus, he picked up his $22.5 million 2025 option rather than try free agency again. And he will be paid that while now rehabilitating after Tommy John surgery.