The Dodgers offered a contract to Korean starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin on Tuesday.
The Dodgers, who have the exclusive right to negotiate with Ryu, reportedly offered a long-term deal that was quickly rejected.
“Predictably, it fell a tad short” Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti said.
The Dodgers paid $25.7 million to the Hanwha Eagles for the rights to negotiate with Ryu and typically, contract offers fall in the same range as what is paid to negotiate with the player.
Ryu’s agent Scott Boras said that he is looking for a contract in the range of a No. 3 starting pitcher and presented the Dodgers with a counter offer.
If Ryu fails to sign with the Dodgers, he will return to his team in Korea and will not be allowed to negotiate with any Major League team until next season.
Colletti seemed to be in no rush to sign Ryu, but also said things can change in an instant.
The Dodgers have until Dec. 11 to negotiate a contract with Ryu and can retain the $25.7 million they offered the Eagles if a deal is not made.
