B.J. Upton

[anabiono]

When will he become a free agent?

 

I don't understand how it works. He is signed through this season, and then he will go through arbitration, is that correct?

 

So, the rays could purchase his arbitration years?

 

And, if not, he becomes a free agent in a couple of seasons?

 

Me confused!?

 

:confused:

[SouthSideRyan]

Players become free agents after using up 6 full years of major league service. They become arbitration eligible after 3 full seasons or if they're a super 2(at least 2 years, 86 days of service and in the top 17% of players reaching that status.

 

Up until a player reaches arbitration, the team can pay you whatever they want at or above the league minimum. After a player reaches arbitration, they will go through it every offseason until they have the full 6 years of service. Teams can buy out those arbitration years with a multi-year deal, but they can also choose to go year to year with them every offseason.

[Rob]

The important thing to stress is that the Rays get six years of service time out of him unless they decide otherwise... through being traded, non-tendered, waived, etc...

 

He has 2 years and 126 days of service time right now.

 

He's likely a FA after 2012.