A hometown discount.
It’s a no-win phrase purposely avoided by those involved in pro sports negotiations.
Ultimately, if a player gives “a hometown discount,” -- a lesser monetary deal to sign or re-sign at a familiar place -- he and his agent have settled. If he doesn’t, well, the player is viewed by some as greedy and disloyal.
All teams want the hometown discount, of course. But if that’s their angle and it falls through, they’ll be criticized for being too cheap and not spending the money it takes to complete the deal. Also, if a club pushes for a hometown discount, the player may feel his loyalty is being used against him
So you definitely won’t hear the “hometown discount” phrase coming out of the Chris Davis-Orioles negotiations.