It appears as we head down the stretch of 2006 that the San Francisco Giants (previously a darkhorse) may be the favorites to sign Barry Zito sometime next month. The Rangers pulled back in their pursuit while trading for the big prospect from Chicago and have a deadline on their offer until the end of the year. Zito likely will reject that offer and the Rangers altogether.
That would leave the Mets and Giants with direct interest.
The NY Post says the Giants are willing to offer more than $100 Million to Zito. That's something the Mets are strongly against doing, wanting their offer of 5-years and roughly $75 Million to get the job done.
The caveat being Zito lives in San Francisco and may rather remain on the west coast then move east.