Signing Martinez post Franchise Start?

[Barzalmode]

So, I started a Franchise with the default rosters w/injuries. J.D. Martinez is still a free agent and I was hoping to replicate his signing, but my budget with a "Projected Yearly Deficit" of $-5.94M won't allow this to be so.

I'm still in the Spring Training Phase and when I offer Martinez a contract, the game says, "You cannot afford this contract at this time".

I've played The Show before, but I can't remember how they structure this whole thing. Will I not be able to sign him without lowering my payroll? Can I not further increase my deficit even though I'm already negative and paying the tax?

[Barzalmode]

Ok, so I see now that as I progress through the regular season, my budget increases and I can sign him if he remains available.

[NiteLordz]

Also when you start a franchise, you can choose to ignore budgets.

This won't help with the amount ( or years ) a player wants / needs to sign, but helps with the budget piece at least.

[Barzalmode]

Quote: Originally Posted by NiteLordz

Also when you start a franchise, you can choose to ignore budgets. This won't help with the amount ( or years ) a player wants / needs to sign, but helps with the budget piece at least.

I'm guessing this isn't an option you can toggle on/off. But no matter, it looks like a few weeks in I be able to sign him.