The Detroit Tigers and pitcher Justin Verlander have agreed to a seven-year $180 million deal. The vesting option for an eight year could bring the total to $220 million according to the Detroit Free Press.
Verlander had two years and $40 million remaining on his current deal.
“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,” general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a released statement. “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.”
Verlander, 30, was 17-8 with a 2.64 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 238 1/3 innings last season. He led the American League in innings pitched, strikeouts and complete games (six).
Verlander had stated he would not negotiate once the regular season started. He will be the Tigers’ starter when they open the season Monday at Minnesota.