(Image Source: flickr / Keith Allison)

BY KAHLER BILLINGHURST

ANCHOR: CHRISTIAN BRYANT

On the Hot Stove today, the first big-name free agent finds a new home.

“MLB.com has confirmed that Jonathan Papelbon and the Phillies have agreed to a four year contract. The deal is pending a physical and is reportedly worth close to $50 million.”


The 50 million is a record deal for a relief pitcher.  Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal explains -- not every team will shell out the big bucks for closer.

“And yet, at the same time, we have seen repeatedly in recent years, teams unwilling to pay big premium prices for closers, believing that the role is not that important. Well, not all teams believe that, and the Phillies clearly are one that sees closers as very, very significant still.”

Sports analysts regarded Papelbon as the best closer available on the free agent market.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden says he is a good addition to the Phillies
 

“Papelbon, only 30 years old, you look at all of his rates, all of his walks per nine, strikeouts per nine, hits per nine, they continue to get better. His WHIP is the bests its been in three years. This is a great sign for the Philadelphia Phillies.”

Some media are questioning the length of Papelbon’s contract. NBC Sport’s Craig Calcaterra cites history as a reason for concern.
 

“Not to say that Papelbon is bad. He’s not. [He] had a really nice bounceback year in 2011. The real issue here is a four-year deal for a closer of any stripe. Those are pretty rare and rarely have they ever worked out.”

With the first shot fired, Papelbon’s deal may have set the tone for the offseason. Stars Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Jose Reyes, among others, are also searching for big paydays.