It’s time for a look back at the week that was, including a pair of monster contract extensions..
- Joey Votto and the Reds agreed to a ten-year, $225MM contract extension in a deal that includes full no-trade protection. With this new deal, he is now under contract for the next 12 years at a total price of $251.5MM. In 2011, Votto followed up his MVP season with a .309/.416/.531 line, 29 homers, and 40 doubles.
- The Giants agreed to a five-year extension with Matt Cain which guarantees him $112.5MM in new money through 2017. The deal, which establishes a record for right-handed pitchers, includes a club/vesting player option for 2018.
- The Indians signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year extension for 2013-14. The deal is worth $16.5MM and will delay Cabrera’s free agency by one year. The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, batting .273/.332/.460 with a career-high 25 home runs.
- The Mets signed left-hander Jonathon Niese to a five-year extension with two club options. The deal is worth $25.5MM and the two options could push the total value to $46MM. Niese will earn $1.02MM this year, $3MM next year, $5MM in 2014, $7MM in 2015, and $9MM in 2016.
- Casey Close of Excel Sports Management will represent Zack Greinke as the right-hander embarks on the final season of his contract with the Brewers.
- Red Sox president Larry Lucchino says he’s willing to add payroll to improve the pitching staff even if it takes them over the luxury tax threshold.
- The Reds offered Brandon Phillips a five-year, $60MM contract extension for the 2012-16 seasons. One Reds source believes Phillips would sign if the Reds offer a sixth guaranteed season.
- Ian Kinsler and the Rangers are close but haven’t hammered out a new deal just yet.
- Carlos Lee agreed to waive his 10-and-5 rights in exchange for full no-trade protection during the first four years of his contract though he can still block trades to 14 unknown teams this year.
- Details of the Dodgers sale came to light and the new ownership group has agreed to assume $412MM of the club’s debt.
- The Cubs inquired about Nats pitcher John Lannan this week. The left-hander requested a trade and made it known to the public on Wednesday.
- Agent Scott Boras says that client Johnny Damon will sign somewhere by May 1st.
- The Braves announced that they signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a Major League contract after he opted out of his deal with Washington.
- Free agent Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance, Tim reported.
- The cutoff for super two players after the 2012 season will be two years and 134 days of service time, according to preliminary internal studies by CAA.
- The Yankees signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz and traded for catcher Chris Stewart on Wednesday. They also DFA’d Justin Maxwell and saw Bill Hall elect free agency.
- The Reds claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles.
- The Cardinals acquired Cedric Hunter from the Athletics for future considerations.
- With Chase Utley on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Phillies have shown interest in Mike Fontenot.
- The Braves acquired Juan Francisco from the Reds.
- The Indians designated Thomas Neal for assignment and released Felix Pie.
- The Rangers signed right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor league contract.
- The Orioles released right-hander Armando Galarraga.
- The Rangers re-signed Brad Hawpe to a minor league contract.
