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FuzzyRussianHat · 04-06-2026, 07:07 PM

Free agency was loaded with big names, none bigger than four-time MVP Mike Tiernan. MLB’s career leader in WAR, homers, RBI, and OPS had signed an eight-year extension with Boston after the 1892 season, but used his opt out following the 1894 campaign. He won Silver Sluggers in all ten seasons with the Braves and amazingly was only going to be 28 years old. 1894 has been his worst statistical season as he missed 40+ homers for the first time, but he was still a star with 6.1 WAR and .907 OPS.

It was obvious that Tiernan would fetch a record-breaking contract. Braves fans were disappointed he stayed in the division, but it was a surprise to most that Pittsburgh landed him. The Pirates were coming off four straight losing seasons, but made a big splash on an eight-year, $494,000 deal with Tiernan. His $70,000 salary for 1895 is $16,000 more than the next-highest (Hugh Duffy). Tiernan does notably have a player-opt option after two seasons, so Silent Mike could be back on the market soon if the Pirates run doesn’t pan out.

Two other signings ended up with salaries just below Duffy. Three-time Pitcher of the Year Frank Knauss left the St. Louis Browns after six seasons. The 26-year old lefty became the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history on a seven-year, $371,000 deal with Cincinnati. Knauss will have a $53,000 salary for 1895. Unlike Tiernan, Knauss doesn’t have an opt-out in his deal.

The career hits leader Dan Brouthers was on the market after 11 seasons with the New York Giants. Unlike the other two, Big Dan is soon to be 37 and is no longer at an award-winning level, although he was still good for 4.3 WAR in 1894. Brouthers joined Baltimore on a three-year, $145,000 deal.

1891 NL Pitcher of the Year Hank Gastright left the Chicago Cubs after six seasons and joined the Boston Red Sox on a five-year, $154,600 deal. The reigning POTY Bill Daley stayed in Philadelphia, but switched from the Phillies to the Athletics. He joined the A’s at $122,400 over six years.

Another former POTY Perry Werden joined the Cubs with a five-year, $62,800 deal. The all-time wins leader Guy Hecker signed a two-year, $10,800 deal with the Red Sox. He will turn 39 in April and missed almost all of 1894 with radial nerve decompression surgery.

04-06-2026, 07:07 PM	#172
FuzzyRussianHat Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 3,444	1894 Offseason (Part 2) Free agency was loaded with big names, none bigger than four-time MVP Mike Tiernan. MLB’s career leader in WAR, homers, RBI, and OPS had signed an eight-year extension with Boston after the 1892 season, but used his opt out following the 1894 campaign. He won Silver Sluggers in all ten seasons with the Braves and amazingly was only going to be 28 years old. 1894 has been his worst statistical season as he missed 40+ homers for the first time, but he was still a star with 6.1 WAR and .907 OPS. It was obvious that Tiernan would fetch a record-breaking contract. Braves fans were disappointed he stayed in the division, but it was a surprise to most that Pittsburgh landed him. The Pirates were coming off four straight losing seasons, but made a big splash on an eight-year, $494,000 deal with Tiernan. His $70,000 salary for 1895 is $16,000 more than the next-highest (Hugh Duffy). Tiernan does notably have a player-opt option after two seasons, so Silent Mike could be back on the market soon if the Pirates run doesn’t pan out. Two other signings ended up with salaries just below Duffy. Three-time Pitcher of the Year Frank Knauss left the St. Louis Browns after six seasons. The 26-year old lefty became the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history on a seven-year, $371,000 deal with Cincinnati. Knauss will have a $53,000 salary for 1895. Unlike Tiernan, Knauss doesn’t have an opt-out in his deal. The career hits leader Dan Brouthers was on the market after 11 seasons with the New York Giants. Unlike the other two, Big Dan is soon to be 37 and is no longer at an award-winning level, although he was still good for 4.3 WAR in 1894. Brouthers joined Baltimore on a three-year, $145,000 deal. 1891 NL Pitcher of the Year Hank Gastright left the Chicago Cubs after six seasons and joined the Boston Red Sox on a five-year, $154,600 deal. The reigning POTY Bill Daley stayed in Philadelphia, but switched from the Phillies to the Athletics. He joined the A’s at $122,400 over six years. Another former POTY Perry Werden joined the Cubs with a five-year, $62,800 deal. The all-time wins leader Guy Hecker signed a two-year, $10,800 deal with the Red Sox. He will turn 39 in April and missed almost all of 1894 with radial nerve decompression surgery. __________________ Baseball: The World's Game fictional world reports The Level Playing Field: Alternate MLB History From 1884-Onward Continental Baseball Federation world reports (8-tier promotion/relegation sim and college feeder)