Brewers, Gallardo Agree on 5 Year extension

On Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers and starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo agreed on a 5 year extension worth $30.1 MM. With the extension now complete, the Brewers now avoid all three arbitration seasons and one free agency year.

Last year, after coming off of an injury that sideline for most of the 2008 season, Gallardo became the ace of the Brewers rotation going 13-12 while posting a 3.73 ERA, and striking out over 200 batters.

Even though Gallardo still has a relatively low amount of innings pitched for his career, 320 innings pitches due to injuries that sidelined him in 2008, the Brewers made a good investment on Gallardo. Because when he is healthy, Gallardo has shown some good numbers, posting a career ERA of 3.58. And at the age of 24, Gallardo still has his best years in front of him.

Looking at the contract details, it is clear that the Brewers convinced Gallardo to take an Evan Longoria like deal, meaning lock a young star up now at a lower price than when he hits free agency.

Gallardo’s Contract Details…

"Gallardo will get a salary of $500,000 this year instead of the $450,000 he was given in spring training. He also gets s $1.25 million signing bonus, with $500,000 paid when the contract is approved by MLB, $500,000 on July 15 and $250,000 on Nov. 15.His other salaries:2011: $3.25 million2012: $5.5 million2013: $7.75 million2014: $11.25 millionoption for 2015: $13 million with a $600,000 buyout.MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL"