B.J. Ryan, one of the most coveted closers on the free agent market, officially signed a five-year, $47 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The deal became official after days of media speculation, and Ryan was in town for a physical before the transaction was announced. "B.J. Ryan is both an outstanding pitcher and person and we're excited to have him join our Blue Jays family," Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "He stands among the few pitchers in baseball worthy of a five-year contract. I know our starting pitchers will be very happy to hear this news." Ryan went 1-4 with a 2.43 ERA and 36 saves for the Baltimore Orioles last season and was reportedly pursued by Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, the New York Mets and Philadelphia before choosing the Jays. Ryan, who turns 30 on December 28, converted his final 14 save opportunities last season. He led all American League relievers with 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings and made his first All-Star Game appearance this year in Detroit. A 17th-round selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1999 draft, Ryan has compiled a 16-19 record with a 3.54 ERA and 42 saves in 405 appearances. He was dealt to the Orioles at the trade deadline in 1999.