The contracts with the Detroit Tigers that Miguel signed Cabrera to play the last 16 of his 21 Major League seasons for more than $400 million dollars, the best fees billed by a Venezuelan player in MLB history. In March 2008 he agreed to an extension for $152.3 million and in March 2014 he agreed to a second extension for $248 million.
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After Cabrera accepted the conditions established in those two extensions, seven other Venezuelan players have signed contracts that, at the time, have been among the most lucrative in the major leagues.
In 2008, pitcher Johan Santana signed with the Mets (2008-13) for $137.5 million. Pitcher Félix Hernández accepted $175 million from the Mariners for 7 years, from (2013 to 2019.
In 2015 the Rangers gave shortstop Elvis Andrus $120 million over 8 years (2015-22) and the Red Sox agreed to pay Pablo Sandoval $95 million over 5 years (2015-19).
In 2018, José Altuve signed a $163.5 million deal with the Astros for seven years (2018-24). Ronald Acuña Jr and the Braves agreed to $100 million for 8 years (2019-26) and before starting this season, Andrés Giménez signed with Cleveland for 7 years (2024-30) and $106.5 million.
