 He won 19 games in 1989 and 15 in 1990 and 1991, staking his claim as the Cubs' ace, and one of the National League's best pitchers.As he was eligible for free agency in 1992, Himes negotiated with Maddux and his agent Scott Boras during the first half of 1992.In July 1992, Himes offered Maddux a contract that would pay him more than $5 million per year.