Bargains and busts
The Twins' signing of Phil Hughes looks to be one of the best free-agent pitching additions in the league this season. Some of the free agents who signed multiyear deals during the offseason:
PitcherAgeTeamW-L, ERAContract
Bartolo Colon41Mets14-12, 4.022 years, $20 million
• He is due to make $11 million in 2015, when he turns 42 in May.
Scott Kazmir30Athletics14-9, 3.442 years, $22 million
• Has resurrected his career after spending 2012 in independent ball.
Phil Hughes28Twins15-10, 3.563 years, $24 million
• Can make another $1 million in bonuses each year of the deal.
Jason Vargas31Royals11-9, 3.414 years, $32 million
• Can pitch Kansas City back into first place with a victory today.
Matt Garza30Brewers8-8, 3.744 years, $50 million
• Up-and-down year included a month on the DL for a strained oblique.
Ubaldo Jimenez30Orioles5-9, 4.904 years, $50 million
• Was sent to the bullpen and is a long shot to make the playoff roster.
Scott Feldman31Astros8-11, 3.953 years, $30 million
• Solid, unspectacular pitcher having a solid, unspectacular season.
Ricky Nolasco31Twins5-11, 5.344 years, $489million
• September provides hope for the remaining three years on his deal.
Tim Hudson39Giants9-11, 3.412 years, $23 million
• Made the NL All-Star team but has struggled in the second half.
Mashahiro Tanaka25Yankees12-4, 2.517 years, $155 million
• The rookie returns Sunday after two months battling elbow trouble.