After a slow MLB offseason when multiple free agents were greeted with a sluggish market, Jayson Werth settled for a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners before retiring - moves the former All-Star attributes partly to poor representation.
Scott Boras, Werth's former agent, issued a statement defending his efforts to get a contract for the outfielder who played for the Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays.
"Unfortunately, it appears someone has misled Jayson," Boras said in a statement, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. "We contacted all 30 teams numerous times during the offseason on his behalf, and we have phone logs, emails, and other records to back it up. We received no offers for Jayson in November, or otherwise. We are always prepared to support our work against inaccuracies spread by third parties. We understand the frustration and disappointment players can face and wish Jayson all the best."
Boras' claim that his agency received no contract offers for Werth "in November, or otherwise" is directly in response to Werth stating he was advised to wait after getting an early offer.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement in late June after playing 36 games for the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate. Over 15 years in the big leagues, Werth posted a .267/.360/.455 slash line with 229 home runs and 132 stolen bases.
