Jeremy Guthrie rumors: Free agent seeking three years, $34 million

Free agent right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is believed to be seeking a contract in the range of three years and $34 million, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star:

Guthrie, 33, is believed to be seeking a three-year contract for $34 million after resurrecting a lost season by going 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 16 starts after arriving in a July 20 trade from Colorado.

Dutton says that all signs point to Guthrie and his agent, Casey Close, waiting for fellow free agent starters Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez "to set the offseason market."

While Guthrie is reportedly seeking $34 million over three years, analysts, including Jim Bowden of ESPN and CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, project he will receive a two- or three-year contract with an average annual salary in the $6 to $9 million range.

The Baltimore Orioles traded Guthrie to the Colorado Rockies last winter in exchange for right-handers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom. The 33-year-old went on to struggle immensely with the Rockies, posting an ERA of 6.35 over 19 appearances, including 15 starts, but he rebounded for a solid second half after being shipped to the Kansas City Royals.