Grandal says he declined low-ball deals out of respect to star predecessors

Yasmani Grandal signed a one-year, $18.25-million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers not just for his own benefit, but out of respect for the high-end catchers that came before him.

That was the explanation Grandal gave to MLB Network following his introductory press conference Tuesday for turning down low-ball offers like the New York Mets' reported four-year, $60-million proposal.

"I felt like part of my responsibility as a player was to respect the guys that went through this process before I did ..." Grandal said, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. "Guys like Brian McCann and Russell Martin, Yadier Molina. These are guys who established markets and pay levels for upper-tier catchers like me. I felt like I was doing a disservice if I were to take some of the deals that were being thrown around ..."

Grandal's new deal with the Brewers puts him on a growing list of free agents who've accepted one-year contracts this offseason, as teams continue to shy away from long-term commitments.

If the 30-year-old plays well in Milwaukee, he could set himself up for a more lucrative, long-term deal at the end of next season - if his mutual option with Milwaukee is declined. He'd also prove a point by doing so.

"I wanted to keep the line moving, especially for some of the younger guys that are coming up," Grandal said. "To let them know, if you're worthy, then you should get paid what you're worth, that's where I was coming from."

So far this offseason, only Patrick Corbin (six years), Nathan Eovaldi, and Yusei Kikuchi (four years each, respectively) have signed contracts longer than three years.