This Day in Baseball History
2004 - Pedro signs with Mets
Less than two months after helping bring the first World Series to Boston in 86 years, Pedro Martinez signs with the New York Mets.
The 33-year-old leaves the Boston Red Sox after collecting a 117-37 record over seven seasons that also saw four All-Star appearances and a pair of Cy Young awards.
Martinez's deal with the Mets is valued at $53 million over four years, a price the Red Sox weren't quite willing to spend given the right-hander's age and concerns with a previous shoulder injury.
"We put our absolute best foot forward," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein tells Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe. "We've tried to keep Pedro Martinez in a way that makes sense for the ballclub. The team comes first, always. That said, he's been a great contributor. If the (team's final offer) was not enough, we wish him the absolute best."
Martinez proves the Red Sox wrong, posting a 15-8 record and 2.82 ERA in 217 innings in his first season back in the National League. Though, numerous injuries would severely inhibit his ability to take the mound. Over the next three seasons in New York, Martinez logs a combined 269 2/3 less than impressive innings, going 17-5 with a 4.74 ERA.
Other major signings
2004 - Mariners sign Richie Sexson to a four-year, $50-million deal
2007 - Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda to a three-year, $32.5-million deal
2008 - Phillies sign 46-year-old Jamie Moyer to a two-year, $13-million deal
Birthdays
1967 - Mo Vaughn
1976 - Aaron Miles