Agent: No Long-Term Deal for Josh Johnson

  

    It looks like Josh Johnson could be as good as gone after the 2010 season. That's because his agent said he and the Marlins couldn't reach agreement on a multiyear contract for the All-Star pitcher, meaning the Marlins might be forced to trade him after next season.

    Johnson's agent, Matt Sosnick, told ESPN.com that "there's no chance of doing a long-term deal with the Marlins" this winter after the team refused to meet his demands for a four-year contract. Sosnick said the most the Marlins would offer was a three-year deal, which would buy out only one year of free agency.

    "We made it clear that it was going to be this year or it wasn't going to happen," Sosnick said of Johnson receiveing a long-term contract from the Marlins. "It was now or never. And the Marlins agreed."

    Johnson has two arbitration years remaining before he becomes eligible for free agency.

    "Josh made it clear that his first choice was to sign a deal and stay with the Marlins," Sosnick said. "He loves the Marlins and he loves Florida. We were willing to give the Marlins what we  thought was a significant break, but they just weren't comfortable going to the fourth year."