Report: Marlins won't spend $30M per year to extend Fernandez

If the alleged rift between Jose Fernandez and the Miami Marlins' front office wasn't enough to squash any optimism about a potential extension, the right-hander's reported asking price should kill any lingering hope for a new deal.

The Marlins reportedly believe Fernandez's representatives will seek a deal with an annual average of $30 million when he becomes eligible for free agency after the 2018 campaign - a figure the club doesn't intend to match, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. A contract of that magnitude would pay Fernandez more money per year, on average, than right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who landed a record-breaking 13-year, $325-million extension from Miami last winter.

Earlier this winter, however, two pitchers - David Price and Zack Greinke - received contracts worth upwards of $30 million per year, and with free-agent salaries continuing to escalate, Fernandez could potentially command more per annum when he hits the market three winters from now.

Trade speculation surrounding Fernandez, an All-Star in his 2013 rookie season, has quieted of late, but with the Marlins reportedly resigned to part ways with the 23-year-old no later than 2018, the club may inclined to renew discussions with other teams.

Report: Marlins unhappy with Fernandez's 'selfish' attitude

In December, after a report detailing the rift between Fernandez and the front office surfaced, Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill insisted Fernandez wasn't available, though he intimated other clubs had been inquiring about the former Rookie of the Year.

"He's (Fernandez) not available," Hill said. "We haven't made him available. But, it doesn't stop the phone calls from happening."

Reports indicated the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers were among the clubs to call Miami about Fernandez, who returned from Tommy John surgery with aplomb last summer, crafting a 2.92 ERA with a 5.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 starts after coming off the disabled list in July. Selected with the 14th pick in the 2011 draft, Fernandez owns a 2.40 ERA (160 ERA+) in 47 starts since making his debut in 2013 after just one full season in the minor leagues.