On May 31, 2006, Roger Clemens agrees to terms on a one-year deal with the Houston Astros to come back for a 23rd season, or at least the remaining four months of the current season. After winning the NL Cy Young Award in his first season with Houston in 2004, and leading the team to their first World Series…
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones agrees to restructure his contract, reducing his salary by $6 million next season. The new deal could save the Braves about $15 million over three seasons and free up money for free agents.
With the Houston Astros offering $13.5 million, Roger Clemens asks for $22 million in salary arbitration. The amount, which would make Clemens the highest-paid pitcher in major league history, surpasses the previous record amount submitted for arbitration of $18.5 million by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in 2001.
2003 – Seven months before a November deadline, the Boston Red Sox exercise their 2004 contract option on Pedro Martinez, making him the highest-paid pitcher for a season in major league history. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Martinez will earn $17.5 million next season.
Avoiding arbitration, the Reds give Danny Graves (7-3, 3.19, 32 saves) a three-year deal. The team’s former closer is slated to join the starting rotation this season after posting a 1-0 record with a 1.89 ERA in his four appearances as a starter at the end of last season.
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen avoids arbitration, signing the largest contract in team history, a $8.6 million, one-year deal.
Slugger Barry Bonds avoids arbitration by agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. The contract also calls for a 10-year personal services commitment at the end of his playing days.
Richard Hidalgo signs the third-richest contract in Astro history with a four-year $32 million deal with the club. The outfielder’s pact is less than teammate’s Jeff Bagwell’s $85 million (5 years) and Craig Biggio’s $33 million (4 years).
2001 – After 13 months of negotiations, Derek Jeter and the Yankees finalize a $189 million, 10-year contract. The deal makes the All-Star shortstop second only to Alex Rodriguez ($252 million/10 years) as highest-paid player in the history of the sport.
After rejecting a trade to the Mets, 36 year-old Barry Larkin agrees to a three-year, $27 million contract extension to continue to play for the Reds. The deal will keep the former Rookie of the Year (1986), NL’s MVP (1995), and 11-time All-Star shortstop in Cincinnati until 2003.
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