I had a max offer to a 3rd baseman with a full bonus and no trade. Got beat by another identical max offer except with a player option on the last season. I had the vastly better hitting coach, vastly better ballpark for hitters, my fielding coach was 5 points less. WHY? Was it the player option?

Yes. The tiebreakers don't come into play unless the offers are identical. Player Option in the final season is an advantage to the player over full salary guaranteed.

Thank you for the response. Does it say that anywhere? Also, on a max offer, why should that matter?

Posted by CF13 on 3/26/2025 4:25:00 PM (view original):
Thank you for the response. Does it say that anywhere? Also, on a max offer, why should that matter?

It's been tested and proven as evidenced in forum threads. search "Max offer."

A true Max offer includes no trade and player option. The logic is that the player is in full control and he can also go looking for a better team as per his decision and get away from a mediocre or below average team in the final ye

Also, if the player stuck with his former team, that is also a part of the decision process. Former teams have a built-in advantage that is part of the formula when things are even.

Posted by drummer_66 on 3/26/2025 5:25:00 PM (view original):
Also, if the player stuck with his former team, that is also a part of the decision process. Former teams have a built-in advantage that is part of the formula when things are even.

I believe that only comes into play if it was a 5yr contract with the former team.

Posted by Shalacc1967 on 3/26/2025 5:19:00 PM (view original):

Posted by CF13 on 3/26/2025 4:25:00 PM (view original):
Thank you for the response. Does it say that anywhere? Also, on a max offer, why should that matter?

It's been tested and proven as evidenced in forum threads. search "Max offer."

A true Max offer includes no trade and player option. The logic is that the player is in full control and he can also go looking for a better team as per his decision and get away from a mediocre or below average team in the final ye

Also if the player is Type A eligible he can choose free agency to try to make more money. This is part of the algorithm; I found out the hard way.