On February 16, 2004, the New York Yankees acquire the highest-paid player in baseball. The Yankees send Alfonso Soriano to the Rangers for reigning Al Most Valuable Player Alex Rodriguez and cash. The deal comes on the heels of the Red Sox’s inability to land the American League MVP in a swap with Texas for Manny Ramirez due to the players’ association’s objection because of the need to restructure A-Rod’s existing contract as a result of the tentative transaction.