I think this is what your asking. This is each recent WS winner's highest paid player signed via FA. I counted players that were traded for and then resigned as unrestricted FAs, but not ones that were traded for and signed extensions before their contracts were up. 2011: Matt Holliday $17,000,000 2010: Barry Zito $18,500,000 2009: Alex Rodriguez $33,000,000 2008: Adam Eaton $7,958,333 2007: Manny Ramirez $17,016,381 2006: Jason Isringhausen $8,750,000 2005: Jermaine Dye $4,000,000 2004: Manny Ramirez $22,500,000 2003: Ivan Rodgiruez $10,000,000 2002: Aaron Sele $7,166,667 2001: Randy Johnson $13,350,000 2000: David Cone $12,000,000 1999: David Cone $9,500,000 1998: David Cone $6,666,667 1997: Alex Fernandez $7,000,000 1996: Kenny Rodgers $5,000,000 1995: Greg Maddux $6,500,000