Mariners, Iwakuma agree to extension

The Mariners and pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the Japanese import in Seattle through the 2014 season with an option for 2015. The deal is worth $14 million over two years- $6.5 million in 2013, $6.5 million in 2014, and a $7 million option for 2015 with a $1 million buyout.

The Mariners signed Iwakuma last off-season to a one year, $1.5 million deal and he did not disappoint, posting a 3.16 ERA in 16 starts and 14 relief appearances.

Analysis: This isn't a bad signing by the Mariners. Iwakuma had a good season in 2012, and I'm glad that the retained him. I don't know if he is worth $6+ million per year, especially with the top pitching prospects (Paxton, Hultzen, Walker, etc.) coming up to the big leagues soon. We'll have to see how this deal shapes up, because we all know that these Japanese imports tend to fail to live up to expectations.

White Sox, Peavy agree to two year extension

The White Sox have announced that they have signed pitcher Jake Peavy to a two year, $29 million contract extension with an option for the 2015 season.

Peavy will earn $14.5 million annually in 2013 and 2014, and the 2015 option becomes a player option if Peavy throws an undisclosed amount of innings in those two seasons. His previous contract included a $22 million option for 2013 with a $4 million buyout. Peavy will receive the buyout.

Peavy posted a 3.37 ERA in 219 innings pitched with the White Sox in 2012, and that was easily his best season since his Padre days. He would have been one of the top starting pitchers available had he hit the free agent market.

Analysis: Coming into this season, I did not expect Peavy, or the White Sox for that matter, to be any good. Peavy went on to have a great season, and pretty much emerged as the team's ace. Peavy was previously a mega-bust for Chicago, mainly due to some durability problems, but managed to stay healthy for the 2012 campaign. In my opinion this is a good signing by Chicago, because they cannot rebuild with their thin farm system, and retaining Peavy will give them an ace for the next two years. Hopefully the guy can stay healthy.

Tigers, Leyland agree to one year extension

The Tigers have announced that they that manager Jim Leyland will return in 2013 as the team's skipper. The two sides agreed on a deal that will keep him in Detroit through the 2013 season.

Leyland led the Tigers to the World Series in 2012, only to get swept in four games by the Giants. Next season will be his 22nd as a big league manager, and 8th with the Tigers. The Tigers have put up a combined 607-528 record while Leyland is at the helm.

Analysis: Obviously this is the right move because Leyland is one of the better managers in the game, even though he does not show much emotion. His players look up to him and he gives them respect, and that is very important. It is sort of odd that he is getting a one year extension rather than a multiyear deal with more job security. Perhaps the ownership feels that he is on his way out and will take it one year at a time with him.

Reds extend Dusty Baker

The Reds have announced that they have signed manager Dusty Baker to a contract extension that will have him remain as the skipper of Cincinnati through the 2014 season. Bakers previous contract expired when the Reds were eliminated from the playoffs a week ago.

Baker has managed the Reds since 2008, and recently missed some time due to a mild stroke. However Baker did tell reporters that he was interested in coming back.

Analysis: At first I thought that this signing was good, but then I heard a few Reds fans complaining about it. I've always considered Baker to be a great manager, but some fans are saying that he can't handle his pitching staff and is not the right man for the job. The way I look at it is, the Reds won 97 games in 2012, and they really didn't cause any trouble. Keeping Baker in Cincinnati for two more years isn't going to kill the franchise, and with that in mind I think that this is a good signing. 

Braves extend GM Wren

The Braves have announced that GM Frank Wren has signed a contract extension that will keep him the General Manager of the Braves through the 2014 season. His previous deal covered next season, and would have expired after 2013.

"These changes are a reflection of the good work and success of our Major League baseball team and the work of Frank and his senior staff," team president John Schuerholz said in a press conference.

Wren became Atlanta's GM on October 11, 2007, and has made quite a bit of transactions. He traded for players, most notably Jair Jurrjens and Michael Bourn, claimed Eric O'Flaherty off of waivers, and signed Brandon Beachy as a non-drafted free agent. However, he did sign Derek Lowe to a four year, $60 million contract, and that turned out to be a letdown. Besides that, Wren hasn't been aggressive when it comes to the free agency.

Analysis: I definitely think that Wren has done a nice job in Atlanta and deserved this extension. If you look at the Braves' team, most of their players are homegrown, indicating that Wren and his scouts have done a great job at grabbing certain players. Wren, as mentioned, also doesn't spend big in the free agent market, and that is okay. Now he faces the tough task of filling in the hole left by Chipper Jones, who has unofficially retired from the game.

Angels, Iannetta agree to an extension

The Angels and catcher Chris Iannetta have agreed on a contract extension that will keep the 29 year old backstop in Los Angeles through the 2015 season. It is a three year deal worth $15.5 million, and will keep Iannetta off the free agent market for the next few years.

Iannetta's previous contract included an option for 2013 worth $5.5 million. He missed most of the 2012 season following wrist surgery, but when healthy he hit .240 in 253 plate appearances.

Analysis: Hmm. I suppose that this isn't a bad signing. Iannetta is a slightly above average defensive catcher and the Angels keep a catcher for the next few years. I guess that he'll be their starter, and that is a mistake. Hank Conger is going to get pushed down again, and he should really be getting everyday reps at the major league level. That also could indicate that Conger may become expendable, so we'll see. As for Iannetta, I like this deal for him because he has a more guaranteed contract for getting $15.5 million after an injury-plagued season is pretty good.

Rangers, Lewis agree on extension

The Rangers and Colby Lewis have agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in a Rangers uniform through the 2013 season. The deal is worth $2 million in guaranteed money, and an additional $2 million in incentives. Lewis was originally on track to become a free agent at the end of this season.

Lewis has been with the Rangers since 2010 after he pitched two seasons with a Japanese team. He started 16 games for this year's Rangers team, posting a 3.43 ERA in 105 innings. However, he last pitched on July 18th and will miss the remainder of the season, and a part of next season, following surgery that he underwent on a torn flexor tendon.

Texas' projected 2013 rotation with consist of Lewis, Derek Holland, Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Martin Perez and possibly Neftali Feliz. Ryan Dempster will hit free agency.

Analysis: This is a great deal for the Rangers. I've always been worried about Lewis' health, but at $4 million, this will be a bargain for Texas. Lewis is great in the post-season and gives Texas some nice pitching depth. I guess it is also good that Lewis is taking the guaranteed money because who knows how much he would've gotten on the open market this winter, considering that he would be coming back from a major surgery.

Padres, Denorfia agree on extension

The Padres and outfielder Chris Denorfia have agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in San Diego through the 2014 season. Denorfia will earn $2 million in 2013 and $2.25 million in 2014.

"We are excited to extend Chris to a two-year contract through 2014," said GM Josh Byrnes. "He has proven to be a valuable and versatile player for us over the last three seasons, and his style of play is infectious."

Denorfia was set to be a free agent after the 2013 season, and has hit .279 over three seasons with the Padres, mostly as a bench player. He has experience at all three outfield positions in his career.

Analysis: It seems like the Padres are really interested in retaining their veteran players. I'm surprised by this move, considering that Denorfia is pretty much a bench player at best. Denorfia is a good hitter, but will not be the starting outfielder, unless someone gets hurt. As for Denorfia, it's a good move for him because job security is key for him at this stage in his career.  

Nationals, Tracy agree on extension

The Nationals and Chad Tracy have agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in Washington through the 2013 season.

Tracy returned to the MLB this year after spending the 2011 season in Japan. He has hit .283 in 68 plate appearances this season. He has served as Washington's backup corner infielder.

Analysis: Not a bad move by Washington. I'm assuming that Tracy's 2013 salary, which is unknown at the moment, will be around $750k, which is what he is earning this year. Tracy is a bench player at best, but will be a nice backup to Washington's first and third basemen next year.

Cardinals, Westbrook agree on extension

The Cardinals and veteran starting pitcher Jake Westbrook have agreed on a one year contract extension that will keep 34 year old in St. Louis through the 2013 season for $8.75 million. The deal also includes a mutual option worth $9.5 million for the 2014 season.

Westbrook previously signed a two-year, $16.5 million contract with the Cardinals after the 2010 season. St. Louis acquired Westbrook two years ago in the three-team trade that sent Ryan Ludwick to the Padres.Westbrook has had a nice 2012 campaign, posting a 3.50 ERA in 154 1/3 innings. He will join Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Jaime Garcia and hopefully Chris Carpenter in St. Louis' rotation next year. Kyle Lohse will be a free agent at the end of the year.

Analysis: Nice signing by the Cardinals. Keeping Westbrook in St. Louis pretty much means that Kyle Lohse may be on his way out. Lohse will most likely seek a big contract in the fall, and I don't know if St. Louis will give it to him. Anyway, Westbrook is a solid #3 or #4 starting pitcher. He is pretty consistent and is a ground ball pitcher. However, I'm not sure if he is worth the money that St. Louis is giving him. Overall, starting pitching depth is always nice to have, especially when you injury prone hurlers Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia in your rotation.

Cubs, Castro agree on extension

The Cubs and shortstop Starlin Castro have agreed on a seven year contract extension worth $60 million. The deal includes a $16 million option for 2020 which would boost the overall value of the contract to $76 million.

Castro, 22, has hit .276 with 12 homers in 495 plate appearances this season. He got 207 hits last season, which lead the league in that category.

Analysis: Nice deal for both sides. At first, I thought this was a great deal for Chicago, and then I remembered that Castro had some laziness problems in the past. Now that he has a big contract, I wonder if he will be as focused as he was prior to this. Anyway, Castro is one of the great young players in the game, but his work ethic is sometimes questioned.

Blue Jays, Mathis agree to extension

The Blue Jays announced that they have signed catcher Jeff Mathis to a two year contract extension worth $3 million. The deal also includes a club option for 2015 that is worth $1.5 million.

Mathis has hit .215 with six homers in 147 plate appearances for Toronto this season. He was traded to the Blue Jays last off-season, coming from the Angels. Mathis isn't known for his offense, but is an above-average defender and his on-base percentage is rising this season.

It was reported that the Blue Jays signed Yorvit Torrealba this afternoon, but it was never made official. This could impact whether Torrealba will end up in a Blue Jays uniform or not.

Analysis: Wow this was unexpected. This isn't an awful signing by Toronto, but I'm not a big Mathis fan. Mathis is a pretty good catcher, but can't hit at all. I expect him to be Toronto's backup catcher throughout his entire contract. Keep in mind that they have a lot of catchers in their organization right now. At the moment, Yan Gomes, J.P. Arencibia, Mathis, and prospect Travis D'arnaud are available for Toronto.

Padres, Kotsay agree to extension

The Padres have agreed to a contract extension with Mark Kotsay. The deal will keep him in San Diego through the 2013 season.

"Mark provides versatility and a very good late-game at-bat," GM Josh Byrnes said in a press conference today. "He brings invaluable leadership to our club and has become one of the key members of our team."

Kotsay has hit .275 with one homer in 111 plate appearances with San Diego this season. He earned trade interest from several teams last month.

Padres, Street agree on extension

It appears that the Padres are not willing to sell off many of their players, considering they signed trade candidate Carlos Quentin to an extension recently and now they have agreed on a contract extension with closer Huston Street. It is a two year deal worth $14 million with a club option for 2015 worth $7 million.

"Huston is a very established closer and has proven to be a valuable leader and teammate." GM Josh Byrnes said. "We are very excited to have him be part of this organization going forward." 


The Padres have been desperately trying to lock Street up over the past few weeks but were prepared to trade him if he didn't sign an extension. He had a mutual option worth $9 million for the 2013 season, and he would've been a free agent if the sides didn't agree on the option.  

Street has had a great year, posting a 0.91 ERA with 11.8 K/9 in 29 2/3 innings of relief for San Diego. He has had some trouble staying healthy this season.

Analysis: It's unrealistic to believe that Street is going to keep putting up these solid numbers, but I still think this is a decent signing by San Diego. Obviously the Padres are a small market team, and they are giving Street a big commitment. If he can stay healthy, I believe he will earn every penny from this contract. If he doesn't stay healthy, it could be a disaster and ruin the Padres' future plans. As for Street, I honestly think he could have gotten more money on the open market. Maybe he just wants to take the guaranteed money while he can, or maybe he really likes San Diego.

Phillies extend Cole Hamels

The Phillies announced that they signed pitcher Cole Hamels to a six-year contract extension worth at least $144 million. The contract includes limited no trade protection and an option for the 7th year.

Hamels' extension will be the second-largest contract ever for a pitcher, behind CC Sabathia's seven year, $161 million deal with the Yankees a few years ago. The 2019 option is either a club option or a vesting option at $24 million. The option will vest if three conditions are met: Hamels is not on the disabled list with a left shoulder or elbow injury at the end of the 2018 season, if he pitches 200 innings in 2018, or if he pitches 400 innings in 2017-2018 combined.

Hamels, 28, has a 3.23 ERA in 133 2/3 innings pitched for the Phillies this year. This contract will cover his age 29-34 seasons.

The Phillies now have three starters earning $20 million per season: Hamels, Lee and Halladay.

Analysis: Finally the Cole Hamels contract saga is over. I feel like the Phillies made a mistake here, but that's basically because I dislike the Phillies. Hamels is a great pitcher don't get me wrong, but he will be earning $20+ million when he is way out of his prime. For a team that is on the verge of rebuilding, I don't know if that is a good move.

Padres, Quentin agree on extension

The Padres and outfielder Carlos Quentin have agreed on a three-year contract extension worth approximately $27 million. The extension locks Quentin up through the 2015 season and it also includes a mutual option for 2016.

"We are very pleased to extend Carlos' contract," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes. "He provides a real threat in the middle of our lineup and brings an intensity and edge to our club. As a San Diegan, he is very invested in the success of the Padres." 


Quentin will receive $9.5 million in 2013 and 2014, $8 million in 2015, if the mutual option for 2016 is worth $10 million. Quentin will be guaranteed a $3 million buyout of the option, if he plays over 320 games during the next three years. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.com has announced that Quentin also has a full no-trade clause.

Quentin's name has popped up in several trade rumors this year. He has drawn interest from the Reds, Indians, Giants, and Pirates. He had surgery in the spring to repair a knee problem, but has looked good since coming off the disabled list in June, hitting .273 with 9 home runs in 40 games.

Analysis: Wow, I could have sworn Quentin was going to get traded, but the Padres are showing him a nice commitment. This is a somewhat risky signing, due to Quentin's shaky injury history. $27 million isn't going to kill a team's payroll, but for a small market team like San Diego it may do some damage. What I like most about this move is that it gives their young hitters some protection in the lineup. However, I am very surprised that Quentin would want to stay with San Diego. Lets face it, they're probably not going to be good for the next 5+ years, so is probably not going to get the chance to win a championship with them. Also, they play 81 games at PETCO Park every season, which is going to severely hurt his stats.

Jays, Encarnacion agree on extension

Edwin Encarnacion has bounced around from several teams over the past few years, but now it looks like he will be staying in Toronto for a while. He and the Blue Jays have agreed on a a three year contract extension worth $27 million. The deal covers the 2013-2015 seasons and includes a $10 million club option for 2016.

Encarnacion was going to be a free agent after this year, and was a trade candidate as well. He has enjoyed a very nice breakout season, hitting 23 home runs with a .295 batting average in 356 plate appearances. He is a career .264 hitter in eight seasons with the Reds and Blue Jays.

He has always had raw power, but is definitely not known for his defense. He has split time between first base and DH this year, and it is assumed that he is going to stay in that role.

Analysis: This is a huge risk, but somehow I like this signing. Encarnacion has been a great hitter to compliment Jose Bautista this year and he is deserving of this money. However, I am a little surprised that the Jays didn't simply save their money and try to land a big free agent pitcher like Hamels or Greinke. They could have traded Encarnacion this month in order to land a few prospects, then they could have re-signed him in the off-season.

Ryan Doumit signs extension with Twins

The Twins have signed Ryan Doumit to a 2 year, $7 million contract extension. The deal covers the 2013 and 2014 seasons with an annual salary of $3.5 million. Doumit will complete his one year, $3 million deal he signed last winter before the extension kicks in. The deal also includes a 250k per year in bonuses based on plate appearances.

Doumit is a career .271 hitter and has split time between catcher and designated hitter this year. He has also made some appearances at first base and right field.

Analysis: This is a pretty good signing by the Twins. Obviously they won't be in contention for the next few years, but Doumit can serve as the team's backup catcher. He may even get some at bats if/when Mauer gets hurt. Also, $3.5 million a year isn't going to kill their payroll. So overall, its a nice signing by Minnesota.

Diamondbacks sign Hernandez to an extension

The Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with pitcher David Hernandez on a two-year contract extension. Hernandez has posted a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings out of the bullpen this season.

Hernandez came over to Arizona in the Mark Reynolds trade two years ago. He has turned himself into an above-average setup man since he has arrived in Arizona. He would've been arbitration eligible after this season.

Analysis: Hernandez has been a very good under-the-radar player for the D'Backs this season. This is a very good signing by GM Kevin Towers. Hernandez has completely changed his career around ever since he got traded to Arizona two years ago.

Dodgers extend Andre Ethier

The Dodgers and outfielder Andre Ethier have agreed to a 5 year, $85 million contract extension. The contract also contains a sixth year vesting option. The deal is now official after the team had a press conference today confirming the signing.

Ethier has spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers and GM Ned Colletti wants him to be a cornerstone player for L.A.. Colletti signed Matt Kemp to a 8 year, $160 million contract extension this off-season so it is clear that he is willing to extend his players long term.


Analysis: This is great news for the Dodgers because they got Ethier for a very respectable price. I thought Ethier would test free agency and seek a contract exceeding $100 million, but I guess not. Not only the Dodgers playing well right now, they are also building for the future which is very important. Great signing by Ned Colletti.