One of the dream signings for Colorado this offseason, catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez, has signed a long term deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Martinez was coveted by many teams for his versatility. The soon-to-be-32 year old catcher would have been used behind the plate and to spell Todd Helton at first base. That scenario, however, will have to remain a pipe dream.

The Detroit Tigers named Martinez their top offseason priority at the end of the season, and they paid to make sure they would acquire him. The deal is for four years, and $50 million.

While Colorado currently has the financial flexibility to sign an impact player such as Martinez for $10 million to $12 million, they are unwilling to sign any free agents to more than a three year deal at this point, in order to maintain their flexibility for 2014, when Carlos Gonzalez, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Troy Tulowitzki’s current deals expire.