Yankees' president on Stanton topping A-Rod for biggest contract: 'Thank God'
Now that Giancarlo Stanton is the richest man in baseball history, New York Yankees president Randy Levine can breathe a sigh of relief.
Stanton's record-setting deal with the Miami Marlins topped the 10-year, $275-million contract Alex Rodriguez signed with the Yankees in 2008, a deal Levine would apparently prefer to forget.
When asked for his reaction after Stanton made history, Levine responded: "Thank God."
Rodriguez's second $200-million contract - following the first record-breaking deal he signed with the Texas Rangers - has been mostly a disaster, with the third baseman spending the majority of the deal either on the disabled list, suspended list or embroiled in controversy.
As Rodriguez works his way back into action after missing the entire 2014 season, Levine admitted expectations are tempered for the three-time MVP.
"He'll be treated like every other player," Levine told reporters at the owners' meetings in Kansas City on Wednesday. "Either he can contribute or he can't."
For their part, the Marlins officially announced Stanton's 13-year, $325-million contract Wednesday, dropping Rodriguez to second (and third) among the biggest contracts in the sport.
| $200M CLUB | TEAM | CONTRACT | Y1 | Y1 Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giancarlo Stanton | MIA | 13-yr, $325M | 2015 | 25 |
| Alex Rodriguez | NYY | 10-yr, $275M | 2008 | 32 |
| Alex Rodriguez | TEX | 10-yr, $252M | 2001 | 25 |
| Miguel Cabrera | DET | 8-yr, $248M | 2016 | 33 |
| Albert Pujols | LAA | 10-yr, $240M | 2012 | 32 |
| Robinson Cano | SEA | 10-yr, $240M | 2014 | 31 |
| Joey Votto | CIN | 10-yr, $225M | 2014 | 30 |
| Clayton Kershaw | LAD | 7-yr, $215M | 2014 | 26 |
| Prince Fielder | DET | 9-yr, $214M | 2012 | 28 |
(Courtesy: Cot's Baseball Contracts)
Rodgriguez is due another $61 million through 2017, in addition to a potential $30 million more in milestone incentives.