Johan Santana signs a 6-year, $137.5 million deal with the New York Mets

2008 – Johan Santana signs a 6-year, $137.5 million deal with the New York Mets to become the highest-paid pitcher in major league history, breaking Barry Zito’s record. The contract is the penultimate step in a trade of Santana to New York; only a physical remains and this will be passed a day later.