If his hitting isn't going to get any better, and he's a defense only SS, that contract becomes ugly if/when that remaining strength is gone. Is a defense only SS worth $25M/season if his defense fades away? I guess he might still have the baserunning acumen, but if he ain't on base, how does he use it?
I was happy with offering him 4 seasons with a 5th option, although he wasn't my first SS option that offseason. He got 6 total, with the opt out. OK, fine. I never thought his hitting would completely disintegrate like it has.
I don't think he will opt out, but who knows.