Chicago Cubs re-sign Wade Davis to four-year, $60 million deal
I knew when the offseason kicked off that I wanted Davis back in the ninth. The goal was to pair an elite reliever with him for a seamless back of the bullpen. And, when the dust settled and the bids came in, that’s just what happened.
The Texas Rangers opened the bidding on the right-hander with a three-year, $37 million offer. I went into the offseason thinking he’d get four years at around $15 million annually – so I knew there was plenty of room to work with here.
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We countered with a three-year, $45 million bid. This still seemed low on the length after Davis blew just one save over the course of the season. Factor in his outstanding postseason performance and there’s no way he only gets three years – despite his age.
Texas countered with the expected fourth year at $58 million. And, right on cue, Davis’ “representatives” noted he preferred the longevity over AAV.
So what were the Cubs to do? Put the nail in the casket, of course. We tacked on an additional $2 million and locked him up. And what do you know? It came in at exactly four years and $60 million.
It doesn’t get much better than that.