DALLAS -- The Miami Marlins plucked another free agent prize Wednesday, reaching a deal with four-time All-Star pitcher Mark Buehrle for $58 million over four years.
Manager Ozzie Guillen praised Buehrle over and over at baseball's winter meetings. They were together on the Chicago White Sox this season, and Guillen was eager to have the left-hander on his side next year.
"This kid is special," Guillen said. "He pitched in the big scenarios, big moments, very tough city to pitch. When people love you in Chicago, that means something." While the Marlins were landing Buehrle, there were also significant developments in the Albert Pujols sweepstakes. The Marlins are now out of the running for Pujols, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, leaving St. Louis as the prime candidate to sign the three-time MVP.
While one source said the agent Dan Lozano called the Marlins and told them they were no longer in the race, another person close to the situation said the team decided to withdraw after signing Buehrle.
A source said the Marlins' offer was for slightly north of $200 million. However, the actual value of the deal would have been augmented by the lack of a state income tax in Florida.
ESPN.com