Jered Weaver Agrees to 5 Year Extension with Angels

The Angels have locked up their young ace Jered Weaver, as it’s being reported the two sides have agreed to a 5 year $85 million deal.

LA is expected to announce the signing Tuesday.  It will be the highest paying contract the team has ever awarded a pitcher, and the second largest in Angels’ history behind only Torii Hunter’s $90 million deal.

Weaver was set to hit free agency after next season, but instead opted to remain an Angel.  The move caught many off guard, considering Weaver is represented by Scott Boras and many of his clients aren’t locked up before reaching the open market.

But LA and Weaver had a mutual interest and an agreement was reached.  The deal includes a full no trade clause and several large bonuses for awards such as MVP and Cy Young.

The deal is similar to those signed by Felix Hernandez (5 years/$78MM) and Justin Verlander (5 years/$80MM).  While the pair had two seasons of arbitration left, Weaver only had one more remaining.  His new deal buys out that final year as well as his first four of free agency

2011 has been a breakout season for the 28 year old.  Over his 26 games pitched, Weaver is 14-6 with an American League leading 2.10 ERA.  Weaver has the second best WHIP (0.97) in the league to go with his impressive FIP of 2.84.  His outstanding season has Weaver sitting as one of the early favorites to win this year’s AL Cy Young Award.

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