Thirteen years ago this week, the A's signed future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas to a one-year contract worth $500,000 plus $2.6 million in incentives. The deal turned out to be one of the biggest bargains of all-time.
The Big Hurt, who was 37 years old, had spent the previous 16 years with the Chicago White Sox, winning two MVP awards and making five All-Star Games. However, he only played 108 games between 2004 and 2005 due to injuries.
Performance
Thomas bounced back in a huge way in 2006, slashing .270/.381/.545 with 39 home runs and 114 RBI, finishing fourth in the American League MVP voting.