Ian Desmond better hope he puts up big numbers in 2015.
The Washington Nationals shortstop reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107-million contract extension last offseason, according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
The contract would have included the two-year, $17.5-million deal Desmond signed last January, which means he would have made $89.5 million over five potential free-agent seasons.
Desmond is under contract for one more season and led major-league shortstops with 24 runs and 91 RBIs in 2014. The 29-year-old's potent offensive numbers suggest he will cash in big if he can duplicate the performance next season.
The Texas Rangers signed shortstop Elvis Andrus to an eight-year, $120-million extension in April 2013. Desmond is far superior in every facet of the game and should cash in even more on the open market.