Tribune News Services
DETROIT -- Pitcher Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to an $80 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Verlander won a career-high 19 games with a career-best 3.45 ERA last season. He is 65-43 with a 3.92 ERA in four full seasons with the Tigers.
The sides agreed to avoid arbitration. When figures were exchanged last month, Verlander asked for $9.5 million for next season and the team offered $6.9 million.
Verlander ended up securing a more lucrative contract than Felix Hernandez, who received a $78 million, five-year deal from the Seattle Mariners.
Photo: Verlander in 2009. (AP / Mark Duncan)
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