With the extension signed by 22-year-old lefty starter Martin Perez on Thursday, the Texas Rangers have four of their starting pitchers locked up through 2017, at the earliest, and they're all at affordable rates.
Yu Darvish, 27, could opt out after the 2016 if he meets performance incentives, but otherwise will be free after the 2017 season but is set to make $41 million over the next four seasons for an ace.
Derek Holland, 27, could be free after 2016, but only if the Rangers decide not to pick up their club option. They have a second club option after the 2017 season for 2018. Holland is set to make $22.8 million over the next three seasons before the club options become a factor.
Matt Harrison, 28, is free after the 2017 season, unless the Rangers pick up a club option in 2018. He's owed $47.8 over the next four seasons.
There's one common theme here with the Rangers. Once they identify a young arm with serious potential, they lock them up for the long term while they're affordable.
The way things look now, a rotation of Darvish, Holland, Harrison and Perez plus one other guy, possibly Alexi Ogando, possibly someone from the outside, looks pretty salty for the next four seasons.
