Tampa Bay agreed to a three-year, $14.5M contract with Aubrey Huff on Thursday. He'll reportedly receive $2.5M in 2004, $4.5M in 2005, and $7.5M in 2006. Despite the unfriendly effects of Tropicana Field, Huff flourished offensively in 2003. This contract should buy out his arbitration years and take him to free agency.

As he possesses no pressing medical concerns, Huff should continue to produce at or above his 2003 level through the close of the contract. Due to the composition of the rest of Tampa Bay's roster, Huff will spend most of 2004 as the Devil Rays designated hitter, however he's capable of playing first, third, and right field, though he's most comfortable in right. Huff was pleased with the security provided by the deal, and the Devil Rays were able to lock him in at a practical price.