Deal is Done: New York Mets Sign Johan Santana

Doors were shut, words were whispered, and two additional hours were provided— but in the end, at 6:11 pm, Johan Santana signed as a New York Met.

He agreed to a six-year, $135.75 million deal. Santana will be making $22.625 million—the
highest salary ever paid to a pitcher—from 2008 into 2014.

It was a compromise between both Peter Greenberg (Santana's agent) and Minaya. The Mets wanted to sign Santana for five years, while Greenberg wanted six. Santana and Greenberg also wanted $25 million, while the Mets were only bargaining at $22 million.

In the end, regardless of various reports that the two sides would not complete the deal, Greenberg and Minaya shook hands and agreed to a contract that will send the Mets arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball, pending a successful physical.

It is clearly an incredible trade for the Amazins'. Coming off a historic collapse in 2007, many of their fans were quieted and lost confidence. But with the signing of Santana, Mets fans now have something to cheer about, and will be able to put last year behind them.

After all the speculation swirling around Santana this offseason, the Mets have finally come out on top. Although his is a heavy contract, Santana is certainly worth it.

I can imagine Opening Day: Johan Santana takes the mound. The crowd squeals, yelps, and screams. Santana waves to the crowd—yet another moment to add to Shea Stadium's legacy.

Could Santana provide the Mets with their first no-hitter? We don't know. But what we do know is that the Mets have secured the best pitcher in baseball, and have reestablished themselves as the team to beat in the NL East.

See ya in two weeks!