Jered Weaver signed a contract extension with the Texas Rangers' biggest rival on Sunday, inking a five-year deal for $85 million with the Los Angeles Angels as his deal was set to expire following this season when it was assumed he'd go to arbitration.
Weaver is 14-6 with a 2.10 ERA this season and is near the league lead in strikeouts. He's been a leading candidate to take the AL Cy Young Award this season though he has seemingly been passed by Detroit ace Justin Verlander, but he's still one of the top arms in the game.
Simply put, he's the kind of guy that can easily draw $100 million. And simply put, when Scott Boras is your agent, you aren't supposed to sign an extension for a measley $85 million.
But Weaver did, and that could affect the upcoming winter free agency of Rangers ace C.J. Wilson.
Wilson, who seemed to take it somewhat personal that he wasn't re-upped following the season, said during spring training that he was done discussing contract stuff until the season ended.
That has led many to speculate that Wilson will not be a Ranger next season.
But the fact that Weaver, one of the best pitchers in baseball, signed for $85 million is not great news for Wilson, who is on the brink of becoming a bona fide ace, but isn't there yet.
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Wilson might be able to command nine figures, but it's unlikely now with Weaver setting the tone for the market this year. That could be good news for the Rangers, who might have a better shot of resigning him, or it could be bad if he decides to join Weaver in LA with the extra money freed up from Weaver's apparent hometown discount.
