Let all the rumors cease. Let all the skeptics be silenced. And let all front offices sigh with disappointment. Joe Mauer is staying in Minnesota—for a long time.

In a massive eight-year, $184 million deal, the 27-year old catcher is slotted to spend presumably the rest of his playing career in the Twin Cities—the deal included a full no-trade clause—and in a day and age where powerhouse markets like the Yankees and Red Sox have dominated big money players, the deal stands as a significant statement that smaller markets like the Twins can compete.

To put it plain and simple: this deal is good for baseball. With Mauer’s unique set of skills, and the fact that he is in his own universe in terms of talented catchers, he could have easily tested the waters of the free agent market and walked away with an A-Rod type deal somewhere in the ballpark of $250 million. The fact that he didn’t is a throwback to old baseball culture—where players spent their entire career with one organization—and shows something about Mauer’s character.

All loyalties aside, the $184 million deal is the most money that has ever been signed to a catcher—far surpassing the four-year, $52 million deal Yankees catcher Jorge Posada signed in 2007. The only players to ever sign for more guaranteed money is of course Alex Rodriguez, and also Derek “the captain” Jeter.

The deal however, does present an intriguing situation for the club. With $195 million going towards newly constructed Target Stadium, and nearly the same amount going towards Joe Mauer, how will the Twins continue to make the moves they need to make and bring in new talent? The Twins may already be in the market for a new closer with Joe Nathan sidelined for the year with Tommy John, and that in all probability will not be the only need for the club in the near future.

Nevertheless, do not let that detract from the deal. Mauer is arguably the best player in the AL, and is worth every penny of $185 million. The Twins made all the right moves with this one, and will continue to benefit from the all-star catcher through at least 2018.

Is it too early to chalk him up as a first ballot hall of famer? I think not.