The Los Angeles Angels extended starting pitcher Jered Weaver last night, locking up the ace through 2016 for $85 million - the largest contract for a pitcher in team history. Many believed the Boras client would test the free agent market after the 2012 season. Instead, the Southern California product opted to stay at home for years to come. Let's round up the latest thoughts from around the industry:
- Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer believes the extension sets a floor for a Cole Hamels extension.
- ESPN's David Schoenfield writes the long-term extension "looks fairly low-risk for the Angels." Schoenfield adds "As for the $17 million, it also seems like a pretty good deal."
- Scott Miller of CBS Sports tweets the deal was a terrific one for the Angels. Adding the Boras client could have got much more in free agency.
- ESPN's Buster Olney credits Weaver for taking that extension only one year away from free agency. Olney adds the ace could have commanded a nine-figure contract.
- Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman says the deal is comparable to the extensions Justin Verlander and Felix Hernandez, CapitolAvenue disagrees with the latter comparison. Later adding "it's not remotely comparable to the deal the Mariners gave Felix in terms of team-friendliness."
- ESPN's Keith Law likes the deal for the Angels.