Mets' deal for Santana tops 137 million dollars

By The Associated Press

Posted 1:35AM on Saturday 2nd February 2008 ( 17 years ago )

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets have reached agreement on a contract extension with Johan Santana on what is a record contract for a major league pitcher -- 137.5 million dollars over six years. Santana's average annual salary of 22.9 million is second only to Alex Rodriguez's 27.5 million.

Overall, it's the fifth-richest pact ever in baseball. Santana trails A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez and Todd Helton in the total salary package listing. Santana's deal also calls for an 18.75 million-dollar option for a seventh season in 2014.

The Twins agreed Tuesday to swap Santana for four prospects: outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-handers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.

Twins GM Bill Smith says Santana is due to take a physical on Saturday.

Pitcher Johan Santana works during the first inning of a baseball game for the Minnesota Twins against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston last season. Santana has agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.

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