The 2006 Houston Astros narrowly missed the postseason, and their offense needed some serious help. Heading into the offseason, GM Tim Purpura set his sights on free agent left fielder Carlos Lee, and the fit was almost too perfect. He played a position the team needed, provided the middle-of-the-order bat they wanted, and even had a ranch near Houston.
It finally happened on Nov. 24, 2006, when the Astros gave Lee a six-year contract worth $100 million, which was and still remains the largest free agent contract the club has ever given to a player.