HUGE CONTRACTS

Some teams pulled out their wallets and made some big agreements with some great players. First, but not most important, the Cardinals and starting pitcher Wainwright agreed to a 5 year $97.5 million deal. That is the biggest pitcher deal in Cardinals history, and locks him with the team through 2018. Was this a good move though? The Cardinals did lose Lohse and Carpenter is injured, possibly forever, so it makes sense that they would try and lock down a pitcher, but is Wainwright the right guy? He has had a good career, but since his injuries he has been more on the decline than being a star. That kind of a contract is something you expect to see go to a pitcher coming off a 15-5 season with a 2.85 ERA, but Wainwright went 14-13 with a 3.94 ERA last year. Nothing wrong with that ERA but 13 loses is quite a few for an ace to receive that kind of contract. Wainwright is 31 and has a few good years left in him, but that kind of contract would probably be put to better use by targeting a guy who hits the DL less and may be entering his prime, not already half way through it.
The Diamondbacks have reached an agreement with first baseman Paul Goldscmidt for a five year contract worth $32 million. The Diamondbacks have been busy locking up their offensive bats recently as Montero, Hill, and Prado also got extensions coming into this season.  Goldschmidt was a big piece to the Diamondbacks offense last season as he belted 2o balls over the wall.  The first baseman is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. This was a great move by Arizona as he is now out of less likely to be traded, he would have been a big target if Arizona was to have a bad season. The Hill extension may have been more of risky move, but their other extensions will provide them with some good offense over the next fe years.
King Felix's reign as highest paid pitcher did not last long as the Tigers and Justin Verlander made their huge agreement making Verlander the highest paid pitcher now. Verlander and the Tigers made an 8 year deal worth $180 million. Verlander deserves it, he has had an amazing last couple years and career overall. From taking home the MVP and CY Young awards to his no hitter to being a big part of his team getting to the World Series, Verlander is the most important piece in the Tigers roster. Don't get me wrong Cabrera is huge too, but they got plenty of other offense, Verlander has lead their team on the mound defeating some tough opponents. The Tigers pulled this off just in time as Verlander declared he wouldn't discuss a new contract during the regular season. Verlander is 30 but still burning the ball in at an amazing speed with incredible break, as he has been a leader or among the leaders in strikeouts, ERA and innings over the last four years in baseball. You can bet Verlander is stoked and Tigers fans as well.
Finally the Giants and NL MVP Buster Posey have come an agreement of 9 years worth $167 million. Posey is coming off a great season and another World Series Championship. The risk is if his previous injury will have any affect. Many believe he will not be catching by the end of that contract, but Posey comes with other options. He can play first, third and other positions as he didn't become a catch until half way through college.  This is the largest contract in Giants history as he may be a Giants through 2022.  Posey is young, he has Rookie of the Year, MVP, and two World Series victories. That is a valuable player, especially for pulling all that off in only three seasons, one of which he was out on the DL.  What this brings into question for the Giants is how they will be able to handle their other players. Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner got extensions last season keeping them on the team through 2018 and now they add Posey to that list along with their GM and Bochy the team manager. Taht limits the Giants options for long term contracts with players such as Tim Lincecum and Pablo Sandoval. Lincecum was offered a long term contract but turned it down and Sandoval does not appear to be taking Posey and his extension very well. Well so far if Posey is healthy, the Giants win it all, we will see if they can keep that up through his contract.
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