Winter Meetings 2012: San Francisco Giants Re-Sign Outfielder Angel Pagan

The World Champion San Francisco Giants have re-signed center fielder Angel Pagan to a four-year, $40 million contract.

Pagan spent two years with the Chicago Cubs and four years with the New York Mets before he signed a one-year, $4.85 million deal with the Giants at the beginning of this year to avoid his final year of arbitration. San Francisco was able to acquire the 31-year-old in a trade with the Mets as they parted ways with reliever Ramon Ramirez and outfielder Andres Torres.

The six year player had a very productive season for San Francisco in 2012 in which he batted .288 with eight home runs, 56 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, 38 doubles and a career-high 15 triples. Pagan also had a .987 fielding percentage with 377 putouts, seven assists, five errors and two double plays in 389 total chances in center field.

The Giants wanted to do everything they could to re-sign Pagan, as he was a top priority for a team committed to staying atop the National League West division. Considering the Los Angeles Dodgers will have one of the most talented teams in baseball next year, especially if they are able to acquire free agent starter Zack Greinke, San Francisco must lock down key players such as Pagan.

The Philadelphia Phillies were rumored to be highly interested in Pagan. However, the Giants were able to offer enough money to keep him. Not to mention, Pagan most likely wanted to stay with a team he just won a championship with on top of getting a big contract.

Michael is a MLB and NBA Featured Writer for Rant Sports, but covers topics for various teams in baseball, basketball, and football. Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelTerrill and on Facebook.