MLB: Cole seeking $13-$14 million Major League Contract?

Pirates GM Neal Huntington is frustrated with the status of negotiations for 1st overall pick Gerrit Cole. Huntington approached agent Scott Boras at the All-Star game to begin talks in mid-July, hoping to sign Cole earlier than usual like Arizona ended up doing with Cole’s teammateTrevor Bauer, but Huntington was told that no negotiations would be taking place at that time.

Even with the deadline now inching closer, the only negotiations taking place is Boras informing the Pirates of Cole’s demands and there’s been no back and fourth talks yet this week.

According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, Cole is seeking a Stephen Strasburg type deal and don’t look for Cole to blink until Danny Hultzen signs. Strasburg received a $15.1 million major league contract two years ago.

Cole is looking to come in just under Strasburg’s deal, believed to be a Major League Contract in the range of $13-$14 million. Hultzen by the way is seeking a $13 million dollar bonus, according to Heyman.

2010 first overall pick Bryce Harper landed a major league contract worth $9.9 million over five years, including a $6.25 million signing bonus.

Breakdown of Strasburg’s deal in 2009: $7.5 million signing bonus with $2.5 million paid 15 days after approval of the contract, $2.5 million paid in January 2010 and another $2.5 million paid in January 2011. Received $2 million salary in 2010, $2.5 million in 2011 and $3 million in 2012.

The Pirates gave 2010 1st round pick Jameson Taillon a $6.5 million signing bonus (non-major league contract).