It took a two-hour extension, but Johan Santana and the New York Mets were able to agree upon a deal that makes the two-time Cy Young winner the richest pitcher in baseball history.
The deal is worth $137.5 million through the next six years, with an option that would make the deal worth $157 million. Santana will be paid $19 million this year, which is $5.5 more than his contract with the Twins consisted of, and could make as much as $25 million in 2014. If the Mets defer him in 2014, a $5 million buy-out would be exercised.
There was confidence heading into the final day of negotiating but as the day wore on and the deadline grew near, the two sides were still several million dollars apart and a 120-minute extension was asked for, and granted. After 113 of those minutes were used, the two sides had agreed upon the contract.
Johan passed the physical the next day, making the deal official and sending four prospects to the Twins.
