This Day in Baseball History

2005 - Marlins sign Carlos Delgado

The Florida Marlins sign free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado a four year, $52-million deal - the richest annual contract in franchise history.

Delgado's deal includes a vesting option worth potentially $16 million.

The Marlins land the coveted slugger despite spirited competition from the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets and Texas Rangers. Delgado, who spent his first 12 seasons in Toronto and never played in the playoffs, said he just wanted to join a winner.

"I feel Florida offers me a real opportunity to win a championship, which is what I'm looking for at this stage of my career," Delgado said, according to ESPN. "This is a very talented team, very aggressive at the plate. They have a good combination of speed and power."

The 32-year-old Delgado hit 32 homers and drove in 99 RBIs during his final season with the Blue Jays, narrowly missing his seventh consecutive year with at least 30 homers and 100 runs driven in.

Delgado's first year in Florida was one of his finest. The 12-year veteran slugged 33 homers, 41 doubles and posted a .981 OPS.

Despite his efforts, Delgado would be a victim of the Marlins' fire sale the following winter. He was one of three key players (along with Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell) traded during the offseason when he was acquired by the Mets for two minor leaguers.

Birthdays

1978 - Derrick Turnbow