(AP) -- Pitcher Jaime Garcia is guaranteed $27 million over the next four years under the contract he agreed to this week with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Garcia gets a $500,000 signing bonus under the agreement announced Wednesday and salaries of $3.25 million next year, $5.75 million in 2013, $7.75 million in 2014 and $9.25 million in 2015.
The Cardinals hold an $11.5 million option for 2016 with a $500,000 buyout. If that option if exercised, St. Louis can exercise a $12 million option for 2017, also with a $500,000 buyout.
He is making $437,000 this season.
The 25-year-old lefty leads the team in victories, going 9-3 with a 3.23 ERA. He went 13-8 with a 2.70 ERA last season, a year after reconstructive elbow surgery.
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