The Red Sox put an end to any chance of Chris Sale becoming a free agent by reaching a deal on a five year extension:

According to multiple major league sources, the Red Sox and Sale have reached agreement, pending a physical, on a five-year, $145 million deal that will run from 2020-24. If finalized, the deal will assure that Sale — who would have been eligible for free agency after this year — will instead continue to anchor the Red Sox rotation, as well as the team’s hopes and October ambitions for years to come.

BostonGlobe.com

Twenty nine million dollars a year is pretty good for someone not a free agent. According to the article, it’s the sixth highest average annual value for a pitcher, and the higher five all came through free agency.

While the free agent market was tepid this winter, the contract extension market was red hot. When players like their current teams, they seem very happy to go for the security of a long-term deal.