MLB Agents That Have Players On The Market Should Be Licking Their Chops

Well the Chicago Cubs finally decided to pony up some big money this off-season and sign some free agents.

Today the Cubs signed former, Yankee, Ranger, and National, Alfonso Soriano to an 8 year/$136 million contract, which is the fifth largest in MLB History.

But is Soriano worth it? Yes he did hit 46 home runs and steal 41 bases last year for the lowly Nationals', while driving in 95 RBI's with a .277 average. But Soriano will be 31 in January. That might not mean much in the first few years of his contract, but look at the back end. The Cubs will be paying him almost $18 million a year when he is 37 or 38 years old.

This is following up last weeks resigning third baseman Aramis Ramirez to a 5 year/$75.

We must say we would never have thought the Cubs would shell out this type of jack to Soriano or anyone at all for that matter. Current free agents should be salivating with a contract like this being completed this early in the off season. Look for other large contracts to follow if this is a sign of the times in the 2006-2007 free agent market.

Cubs Splash Out For Star Soriano - BBC Sport