Yovani Gallardo Gets Five-Year Extension from Milwaukee Brewers

In the middle of trading barbs about payroll with New York Yankees president Randy "I Am Just Along For The Ride" Levine, Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio decided to use some of the money that Levine says he is giving the Brewers to lock up one of the best young pitchers in the game.

Yesterday, the Brewers signed RHP Yovani Gallardo to a five-year, $31 million extension.

Here is a breakdown of the contract:

2011: $3.25 million

2012: $5.5 million

2013: $7.75 million

2014: $11.25 million

The deal also includes a $13 million option for 2015. Essentially, the Brewers have bought out Gallardo’s three arbitration years and one year of free agency.

This is a really, really good deal for the Brewers. To get Gallardo, who is only 24, in his prime years at $6 million a year on average is a good deal.

Last year was the first year Gallardo made 30 starts in a season, and he delivered as expected. In 30 starts, Gallardo was 13-12 with a 3.73 ERA, allowed only 150 hits, and struck out 204 in 185.2 innings.

Gallardo did walk 94 in those 185.2 innings, so he will need to harness his control if he wants to move into the upper echelon of pitchers in the National League. There is no reason to think as he matures, he won’t accomplish this.

The Brewers have their best all-around player in Ryan Braun locked up and their ace in Gallardo now locked up. Now if they can just get Prince Fielder signed, the Brewers will have a very formidable core to build around for the future.

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