Maybe Johnny is willing to gamble on himself for the next 3-5 years with a smaller AAV because he's confident that the contract after that would push the $100 million barrier. (8 years $12.5 AAV)
4 years $25 million ($6.25M AAV), then 8 years $90 million ($11.25M AAV) = 35 years old and $115 million earned.
If he signs an 8 year deal now worth $60 million he might have a hard time getting that extra $55 million on his next contract at 31 years old. 8 years is a much bigger gamble than 4 years would be IMO.
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