Torii Hunter became the first free agent to sign a big deal with a new team, but it's Alex Rodriguez who landed the biggest contract of all.
The early free agency period has been highlighted by players staying with their teams, rather than seeking potentially bigger dollars from new clubs.
Alex Rodriguez, after a brief and strange flirtation with the free agent market, did a 180-degree turnaround and negotiated directly with the Yankees to reach a ten-year, $275 million contract. Recently, the Yankees have announced that Rodriguez will also earn $6 million bonuses when he ties Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds on the all-time home run list. He'll get another $6 million when he breaks Bonds's record. In other words, if Rodriguez breaks the all-time home run record , which is about as certain as the Patriots winning this year's Super Bowl, he will earn $305 under the deal.
Fellow Yankees Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Bobby Abreu re-signed with the Yankees, ensuring that they will once again be a formidable opponent.
Curt Schilling signed a one year deal to come back to the World Series Red Sox for a base salary of $8 million, with performance incentives that could raise his total pay to $13 million.
Torii Hunter rejected a three-year/$45 million offer to stay with the Minnesota Twins, and then reached an accord with the Angels that will pay him $90 million over the next five years.
But the biggest remaining fish of all, Johan Santana, though not a free agent until 2008, is the most highly sought after pitcher in years. Currently, the Yankees are in talks to acquire the two-time Cy Young award winner.
If the Yankees land Santana, look for them to take back the American league East in 2008.
