NASHVILLE – The Dodgers offered a long-term contract to South Korean left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin on Tuesday that was promptly rejected, General Manager Ned Colletti said.

“Predictably, it fell a tad short,” Colletti said.

Colletti said he didn’t know how the Dodgers would proceed in the negotiations.

[Updated at 5:35 p.m.: Ryu's agent, Scott Boras, said he presented the Dodgers with a counteroffer. "We exchanged offers, and negotiations continue," Boras said.]

Boras, said his client should be compensated like a major league No. 3 starter. So, presumably, he’s looking for something in the $50-million range. [Updated at 9:45 p.m.: This estimate was high, according to a person familiar with the discussions.]

If Ryu doesn’t sign with the Dodgers, he would return to his South Korean team, the Hanwha Eagles. He wouldn’t be eligible to be posted in the major leagues again until next season.