PHOENIX (AP) -The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a four-year, $4.3 million contract with 2006 first-round draft pick Max Scherzer as Wednesday night’s deadline approached.
The Diamondbacks, who chose Scherzer 11th overall last June, would have lost Scherzer if the deal had not been made by 9 p.m. local time.
After the deadline passed, Diamondbacks spokesman Mike McNally said the team had not reached an agreement with Scherzer. Later, the team said there was a deal.
The deal includes bonus opportunities that could make it worth up to $6 million.
The former University of Missouri ace is represented by Scott Boras, known for his tough negotiations. A message left with Boras’ office Wednesday was not returned.
It’s the second time in three years the Diamondbacks have gone down to the wire with their top pick. In May 2005, they signed shortstop Stephen Drew – another Boras client – minutes before they would have lost his rights. Drew signed a $5.5 million, five-year deal.
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