30 biggest free agent contracts in New York Yankees history

26. Mariano Rivera, 2001: Four Years, $39.99 Million

From the biggest bonehead to the biggest no-brainer, the Yankees secured the incredible Mariano Rivera for four additional years prior to the 2001 season.

During the duration of that contract, Rivera posted a 211 ERA+, made three All-Star teams ... and, yes, suffered his two highest-profile failures as a member of the Yankees in 2001 and 2004. He was still a God among men, though, and the Yanks wouldn't have made it as far as they did without him.

It's also not the final time he appears on this list.