Philadelphia Phillies: Signing Jimmy Rollins Just a Matter of Time

With news breaking that Rafael Furcal has just signed a two-year, $14 million deal that will bring him back to the St. Louis Cardinals, Jimmy Rollins‘ options on where he will land continue to diminish. It was believed the Cardinals had an interest in Jimmy Rollins, after losing their star player, Albert Pujols, who just signed a 10-year, $254 million blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

With many of the big-name free agents being locked up, Jimmy Rollins is running out of options. He has been reportedly seeking a five-year deal, but so far, the Phillies have not met his demands. It has been said the Phillies have already offered Rollins a three-year deal and a four-year deal with an option, but so far, the Rollins’ camp has not committed to anything.

Charlie Manuel seems to think Rollins will end up with Philadelphia once the dust settles.

“I think what it’s going to boil down to is that Jimmy knows we want him back and also knows he wants to come back. It’s just a matter of the two sides becoming one and happy with what’s going on, and then Jimmy is going to be with the Phillies next year.” To read more comments from Charlie, click here.

I fully believe it’s just a matter of time before Jimmy signs on the dotted line. Jimmy has played here his whole career, and he’s beloved in Philly. His family is here, and he’s won a World Series with the team. While it’s understandable that Rollins is seeking a five-year deal, he knows that he will have to bend a bit if he wants to return with Philadelphia.

Right now, it’s just a waiting game. Both Rollins and his agent Dan Lozano are most likely awaiting another offer from Ruben Amaro Jr., unless they already have come to some sort of agreement. In the event that Jimmy Rollins does decide to part ways with Philadelphia, the Phillies have already begun a Plan B. With the Phillies unsure if their shortstop will return next season, the Phillies have inquired about Aramis Ramirez. 

I’m sure Ruben would much rather sign Jimmy Rollins, as he’s probably more willing to come at a more reasonable price, but the Phillies may not have a choice. Ramirez made $14.6 million last season. He’s still got plenty of life left in him at 33, so he will most likely be seeking a deal similar to Jimmy’s, as far as length. Signing Ramirez could be just as hard as signing Rollins.

I’m sure by now the Phillies have explored other options beyond Aramis Ramirez, but it remains to be seen what will happen. It’s also worthy to note that the Phillies have been actively shopping third baseman Placido Polanco in an attempt to clear some salary, but so far, have not been able to do so due to his $7.25 million price tag. Not only that, but Polanco is not a sure bet, coming off a surgery he underwent to repair a double sports hernia.

Ruben Amaro Jr. has stated time and time again that retaining Jimmy Rollins is the Phillies’ “top priority,” but are the Phillies Jimmy Rollin’s top priority?

Only time will tell.

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