While the rival Yankees are struggling to find $2 million dollars for a new left fielder, the Red Sox could be spending almost $4 million for one to come off the bench.
According to Boston.com, newly acquired Red Sox outfielder Jeremy Hermida is still seeking a fresh contract worth $900,000 more than the team’s estimation.
Hermida, who made $2.25 million last year before coming over in a trade from the Marlins at the end of the season, is looking to earn $3.85 million in 2010. The Red Sox value the 25-year-old at $2.95 million. As Hermida is eligible for arbitration, the two sides must find a middle ground before Feb. 1 or the decision will go before a three-person arbitration panel which will reward one side with its wish and leave the other with a much lighter wallet.
Because of the “winner takes all” mentality of arbitration, both sides generally split the difference to avoid losing the whole shebang. That estimation would leave Hermida on the books next year for $3.4 million to help provide cover in the Red Sox outfield along with the newly signed Bill Hall.
