Until 2019, the best pitcher in the game of baseball will be a member of the Detroit Tigers.
Multiple news outlets reported Friday that Justin Verlander and the Tigers have agreed to a new contract that will exceed $202 million, which not only would make Verlander a Detroit Tiger for much of the prime of his career, but will make him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history.
On Twitter, Verlander confirmed the news with excitement-and a vow to bring a World Series ring to the Tigers.
"I love this city & the fans - couldn't be more excited to spend my career here! We're going to bring a World Series to Detroit!!!" Verlander tweeted.
The Tigers came close last year, heading to the World Series, but being swept 4-0 by the champion San Francisco Giants.
Verlander's deal tops the benchmark set for pitchers contracts by Felix Hernandez's $175 million, six year deal with the Seattle Mariners, which he signed in February.
The contract extension avoids what would have likely been distracting free agent speculation this coming season, as Verlander was eligible to become a free agent after the season concluded. Verlander made it clear that he would not talk about any contract negotiations during the season.
Under the terms of the new contract, which begins in 2015, Verlander will make $140 million, $28 million each season from 2015 to 2019, with a $22 million option for 2020 that would be pending upon whether Verlander finishes in the top 5 in 2019 Cy Young voting.
It seems like a steep price to pay for a pitcher, but over the last four seasons, Verlander has separated himself as being baseball's most fearsome thrower. The right-handed Verlander is a five-time MLB All-Star and won the 2006 Rookie of the year, while leading the majors in wins in 2009 and 2011-the latter year where he went 24-5 with 250 strikeouts and a 2.40 ERA in a dominating year where he was named the American League MVP.
Last season, Verlander posted a 17-8 record with a 2.64 ERA with 239 strikeouts as he led the Tigers to the World Series.
"Justin is one of the premier pitchers in baseball and we are thrilled to keep him in a Tigers uniform for many years to come," Tigers president, CEO and general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a statement on the team's website. "Justin has been a Tiger for his entire career and he is on pace to be one of the greatest pitchers in this illustrious franchise's history."
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