Buster Olney is reporting that the Yankees and Mark Teixeira have agreed to an 8 year deal worth more than $170 million. The Associated Press reports the deal is for $180 million.
Between CC ($161 million), AJ ($82.5 million) and now Teixeira, the Yankees have thrown more than $400 million on free agents this winter. I thought the Mets were splurging investing $40+ million on two relievers…Anyways, I guess Yankee management could only survive one year of financial responsibility. I am thankful that they took last year off so the Mets could pick up Johan without Yankee pinstripes getting in the way.
More than anything, I would like to know exactly how this unfolded between Boras and the management representing the Red Sox, Angels, Yankees, Orioles and Nationals. Did Boras play each team off of each other with phantom offers until the Yankees said “might as well?” Did the Yankees do this solely to keep him away from the Red Sox? (Bay, Ortiz and Teixeira would have been a terrifying 3-4-5). Who was willing to spend what? Who got played by Boras? I’m sure the behind the scenes jockeying will come to light in the next few weeks.
This signing is significant for the Mets because Boras will now turn his attention to finding homes (and dollars) for Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. It should be very interesting to see how Boras plays the market for these two guys. As someone hoping one of these starters signs with the Mets, I hope the market plays Boras (i.e. who else besides the Yankees has been willing to spend anything this winter?).
Pete Lappin (3)
