Tigers re-sign Verlander for US$80 million

Verlander's deal includes a US$500,000 signing bonus, US$6.75 million this season, US$12.75 million next year and US$20 million in each of the following three seasons. Verlander would have been eligible for free agency after the 2011 World Series.

“I have one goal and that's to make it to the Hall of Fame,” Verlander said.

The 2006 American League rookie of the year tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season. He led the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts, and had a career-best 3.45 ERA.

Team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said it was “a very happy moment for the organization” at a news conference.

“He's one of the best pitchers in baseball and someone who can anchor our staff over the next five years,” Dombrowski said.

Verlander and the team agreed to bypass salary arbitration with the contract. When figures were exchanged last month, Verlander asked for US$9.5 million for next season and the team offered US$6.9 million. He made US$3,675,000 last season.

The two-time All-Star got US$2 million more than a comparable pitcher, Felix Hernandez, who likewise has played four full seasons in the majors. Hernandez also avoided arbitration with a US$78 million, five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners this offseason. Verlander, 65-43 in his career with a 3.92 ERA, turns 27 this month. Hernandez, who is 58-41 with a 3.45 ERA, will be 24 in April.

The hard-throwing Verlander is the only pitcher in baseball history to toss a no-hitter, start a World Series game, be a rookie of the year and an All-Star in his first two full seasons.

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