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."
Buehrle's deal is subject to a physical, which the sides were arranging.
The Marlins have been the busiest team by far in the majors this week, spending $191 million on three prime free agents. They previously landed a pair of All-Stars: shortstop Jose Reyes and closer Heath Bell.
Plus, they've been pursuing slugger Albert Pujols and pitcher C.J. Wilson.
The 32-year-old Buehrle has been one of the majors' most durable and effective pitchers for more than a decade. He has reached double figures in victories and thrown over 200 innings in each of the last 11 seasons, all with the White Sox.
Buehrle was 13-9 with a 3.59 ERA this year and won his third straight Gold Glove.
Buehrle is among the fastest workers in the big leagues. It works for him — he's thrown two no-hitters while going 161-119 in the majors, including a perfect game against Tampa Bay in 2009.
A workhorse for the White Sox, he helped them win the 2005 World Series when he even made a relief appearance. Chicago offered him salary arbitration last month, but he decided to find a new home after a visit to Miami, where the Marlins will move into a new ballpark next season.
"Him moving from the American League to the National League, it's a big step for us," Guillen said.
"I think he's comfortable because I know what I'm going to get from him, and he knows what's going to come from us, and I think that helps," he said.
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