As you’ve likely heard by now, the Twins signed superstar catcher Joe Mauer to a four-year, $33MM deal today. With the contract, the Twins bought out what would’ve been Mauer’s first year of free agency, 2010. These types of deals are becoming all the rage these days. The supply of star players making it to free agency after six seasons is definitely on the decline.
Mauer will earn $3.75MM in ’07, $6.25MM in ’08, $10.5MM in ’09, and $12.5MM in ’10. In case you were wondering, PECOTA absolutely adores Mauer and his future. Guess how much PECOTA thinks Mauer is worth over the life of his new contract? Just over $140 million for the four seasons. The projection system values him at almost $37MM in 2010 alone. I guess that’s because not too many catchers are projected to hit .326/.406/.497 that year. I should add that his peak projected value is 2009, when he could be worth almost $40 million.
Miguel Cabrera will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. PECOTA thinks he’ll be worth $29.275MM in 2010 and $30.15MM in 2011. How’s seven years, $200 million sound? Should be fun.
