This is the free agent market in which many stars are seeking massive contracts in recognition of their value. Who will be the best among them.
ESPN, a U.S. sports channel, mentioned the best FA player since 1990, which heated up the winter of Major League Baseball on the 26th (Korea time).
According to the report, Juan Soto, who has been heating up this winter, is in fourth place. Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year-$700 million contract last winter, is in second place.
In other words, 꽁머니 neither Ohtani nor Soto rose to the top position. Notably, Barry Bonds, who had a perfect capability for offense and defense in 1992, ranked third.
Alex Rodriguez, who shocked everyone 24 years ago, was chosen as the best candidate to beat them all.
Rodriguez lost face in the final years of his career due to drug use, poor performance and injury. However, he was an idol in the Major League in the late 1990s.
He hit .315 with 184 homers and 574 RBIs in five seasons from 1996 when he ranked second in the American League Rookie of the Year, to 2000 when he became an FA, and posted an on-base percentage of 0.381 OPS of 0.956.
Rodriguez also boasted a respectable defense as a shortstop and posted a 40-40 record with fast feet. He is a perfect player.
As a result, Rodriguez signed with the Texas Rangers for a 10-year contract worth $252 million, which was hard to imagine at the time. However, many said Rodriguez could do it.
Rodriguez then wore a pinstrip uniform in a trade and surprised everyone by signing another 10-year-$275 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2007.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge in 2022, Manny Machado in 2018, Albert Pujols in 2011, Manny Ramirez in 2000, Bryce Harper in 2018, and Gerrit Cole in 2019 were listed in the announcement.