Carl Crawford has officially signed the richest contract of any outfielder in the history of the game.
The All-Star left fielder and the Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement late Wednesday night on a $142 million, seven-year contract, which is subject to a physical, of course. The average annual value of the deal -- $20,285,714 -- is the seventh highest among current players and 10th-largest in baseball history.
Crawford, who was reportedly in talks with the Los Angeles Angels as well as the New York Yankees, is just plain badass. He hit .307 last season for the Tampa Bay Rays, setting career highs with 19 home runs and 90 RBI. The four-time stolen base champ also swiped 47 bags and led the American League with 13 triples. Making matters more interesting, Crawford batted .324 last season at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox, who also acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez this week, already has a damn good outfield. In fact, this move might make them the team to beat in 2011. Crawford, who will roam left field, joins Mike Cameron or Jacoby Ellsbury in center and J.D. Drew in right.
Will this make the Yankees even more passionate about acquiring Cliff Lee, since their most heated rival snatched Crawford right out from under them? Will Crawford's deal raise the stakes? Is Cliff Lee a contract whore? We'll let you know.
[ESPN] | [Over the Monster] | [Joy of Sox]
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