San Francisco Giants & Jeremy Affeldt Close To Finalizing Three Year Deal

The San Francisco Giants have made no secret about their desire to keep the World Champions intact – and although that might be a pipe dream given the salary demands of a few of their free agents, it appears one of the said players can take his name out of the available pool.

Oct 21, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher

throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 8th inning during game six of the 2012 NLCS at AT&T Park.

The Giants and reliever Jeremy Affeldt have been in discussions about returning since the World Series concluded and it appears that the two will agree on a three year, $18 million dollar deal assuming there are no last minute strings pulled:

"If the Giants finish their deal with Jeremy Affeldt, it’s expected to be for about $18 million over three years."

Yes – you read that right – potentially six million a year for Affeldt. And you freaked when the Giants gave him five million last year…

Considering the market set by Agent Ned and the Dodgers though, who signed Brandon League to a three year, $22.5 million dollar deal – it’s almost a bargain.

Almost.

Given the unknown with Brian Wilson, much like last year, the Giants simply couldn’t pass on bringing Affeldt back, despite the hefty salary. Outside of his couple month struggle in 2010 Jeremy has been lights out in a Giants uniform for four seasons and the Giants will simply have to live with the current excessive market. If they weren’t going to pay it – somebody else would have. Plus, on the days he doesn’t pitch – you can always use him as a pinch hitter….