Update: The Giants and Pence are nearing an agreement on a $90 million contract, reports CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. Chris Haft of MLB.com says it will be for five years and is pending a physical. San Francisco is expected to formally announce the deal on Sunday.
Giants come to agreement with Hunter Pence on five year, $90 million deal
San Francisco has been open about it’s desire to sign the outfielder to a new contract.
Thearon W. Henderson
Contract talks between the San Francisco Giants and outfielder Hunter Pence are heating up, and the two sides may soon reach an agreement to keep the free-agent-to-be with the team, reports MLB.com.
More Giants coverage: McCovey Chronicles
Shortly after Pence was presented the team’s Willie Mac Award, team president Larry Baer and Pence had a brief conversation in the clubhouse near reporters. Pence was overheard to say, “I’m sure we’ll get something done,” and “I’m going to let them deal with it because that’s what I pay them for.” Presumably, “them” is referring to Pence’s agents.
When asked whether the talk was about a new contract, Pence answered in the affirmative.
“They’re about to get back to me,” Pence told reporters. “So we’re either really close or really far away.”
Pence was then asked if an agreement could be made before the season ends on Sunday, to which he replied, “Yeah. I’ll know shortly. We’ll just say we’re talking, I guess.”
It has not been a secret that San Francisco has hoped to re-sign Pence, who is one of the team’s best hitters. On Friday, the team said a new contract with Pence was a “first action item.” The team could then turn their attention to other soon-to-be free agents Tim Lincecum and Javier Lopez.
Pence, 30, has played every game for the Giants in 2013 and set a career high with his 26th home run Friday night. His .282/.339/.481 batting like this season closely mirrors his career .285/.339/.475 line.
Pence would officially become available to all 30 teams five days after the conclusion of the World Series. If it does reach that point, Pence says he would still be open to returning to the Giants.
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