http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5067405

 

MILWAUKEE -- Pitcher Yovani Gallardo and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed Thursday to a $30.1 million, five-year contract, a deal that could be worth $42.5 million over six seasons.

 

Gallardo The agreement covers the right-hander's arbitration-eligible years and the first season after he would have become eligible for free agency.

 

Gallardo receives a $1.25 million signing bonus: $500,000 payable when the contract is approved by Major League Baseball, $500,000 on July 15 and $250,000 on Nov. 15. He gets salaries of $500,000 this year, $3.25 million next season, $5.5 million in 2012, $7.75 million in 2013 and $11.25 million in 2014. Milwaukee holds a $13 million option for 2015 with a $600,000 buyout.

 

Gallardo could void the option if he accumulates six points under a system in which he earns five points for winning a Cy Young Award, three points for finishing second in voting and one point for finishing third.

 

He has a full no-trade provision through the 2012 season. After that, he can select 10 teams he cannot be dealt to without his consent.

 

Gallardo's agreement replaced a one-year contract that Milwaukee had renewed for $450,000 last month.

 

The 24-year-old was a second-round pick of the 2004 amateur draft. He went 13-12 with a 3.73 ERA in 30 starts last season after missing all but four starts the previous year with a torn ligament in his left knee.

 

Gallardo was Milwaukee's Opening Day starter on Monday and took the loss.

Good deal for him and the Brewers, as they now have a legitimate ace. He has the stuff, just needs to lower his walks a bit

I really don't understand these kind of contracts that basically only buy out arbitration. Especially for a pitcher. I mean, through arbitration you're going to be paying him roughly what he's making through the contract. And if he sucks, gets injured, ect, you're on the hook whereas before you could cut your ties/severely less made by him.

 

I only like it if it buys out multiple years of free agency. Not only does this only buy out one year of free agency, it very well could be voided.

I see this more of a PR move on the Brewers part. Sort of a preemptive attack to battle the fan fallout that'll come when they let Prince walk.

I really don't understand these kind of contracts that basically only buy out arbitration. Especially for a pitcher. I mean, through arbitration you're going to be paying him roughly what he's making through the contract. And if he sucks, gets injured, ect, you're on the hook whereas before you could cut your ties/severely less made by him.

 

I only like it if it buys out multiple years of free agency. Not only does this only buy out one year of free agency, it very well could be voided.

 

And he is very dangerous with his BB rate, and it's not like his 2nd half splits are good. He certainly is a well above average pitcher, but probably the most volatile guy in the "top 25 pitchers" in baseball of falling apart.

 

This was premature. They should have made him perform for 2 more years, and then done a 4-5 year contract with Arb 2, Arb 3, FA, FA, FA/Option. You're still saving money, and your risk is dramatically less. Basically, what the Marlins are doing with Nolasco right now.