In a deal which prompts a Boston Red Sox official to call the New York Yankees an “evil empire”, Cuban defector Jose Contreras agrees to terms on a four-year contract with New York. Contreras, who was considered the top pitcher on Cuba’s national team, was declared a free agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua.

 

On December 24, 2002 — In a deal which prompts a Boston Red Sox official to call the New York Yankees an “evil empire”, Cuban defector Jose Contreras agrees to terms on a four-year contract with New York. Contreras, who was considered the top pitcher on Cuba’s national team, was declared a free agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua.

 


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Sources:

Baseball Reference December 24

SABR Games Project

National Pastime December 24

National Pastime December 24

Hall of Fame

Retro Sheet