MLB Notebook: No Wandering For Franco

One of the national pastime’s brightest young stars signed a massive extension this week, one that dropped jaws around Major League Baseball. That news tops this week’s MLB Notebook.

No Wandering For Franco

Tampa Bay Rays phenom Wander Franco put pen to paper on a 12-year deal that will guarantee him $182 million.

The contract could pay him as much as $223 million between now and 2034, and if that scenario unfolds, it will more than double the organization’s previous "biggest contract ever," which paid Evan Longoria $100 million over six seasons. Franco, who turns 21 in March, hit .288 during his rookie season and batted .368 in the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox.

Matz Heads to St. Louis

Southpaw Steven Matz is leaving Toronto, but staying with a team of an avian variety. He and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on a four-year, $44 million deal, and it’s one that didn’t come without controversy.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen tweeted that Matz’s agent acted "unprofessionally" not long after the former Met spurned his old club.

2022 Hall of Fame Ballot Released

The upcoming ballot is a very important one for several MLB legends. It’s the final time Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, and Curt Schilling will be eligible to be voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. In addition, many contemporary stars make their debuts on the ballot, including David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Howard.

Davis Calls It A Career

Relief pitcher Wade Davis announced his retirement Wednesday after 13 big-league seasons. The closer made three All-Star teams and recorded the final out of the 2015 World Series while a member of the Kansas City Royals.

He finishes his career with 141 saves for the Royals, Rays, Cubs, and Rockies.