The Cubs signed Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year deal believed to be worth $136 million. It's the richest deal in Cubs history, topping the five-year, $73 million contract that third baseman Aramis Ramirez inked one week ago.
It's also the fifth-largest package ever given to a Major League player, behind Alex Rodriguez ($252 million for 10 years), Derek Jeter ($189 million for 10 years), Manny Ramirez ($160 million for eight years) and Todd Helton ($141.5 million for 11 years).
The power has definitely shifted in the National League Central.
"The Cubs are stacking it," Brewers manager Ned Yost said. "You look at Soriano, Ramirez and [Derrek] Lee, and they're going to have quite a team. We're not going to be able to match their thump, so we're going to have to have good pitching and defense to compete. They're looking pretty good right now."
Soriano Inks Contract With Chicago