The Dodgers today finalized their contract extension with starting pitcher Chad Billingsley, signing the hurler to a three-year deal worth $35 million, through the 2014 season, plus an option for the 2015 season that could bring the total value of the contract to $46 million over four seasons. Billingsley, who was 12-11 with a 3.57 ERA for the Dodgers last season, avoided arbitration earlier this winter by signing a one-year deal for 2011 worth $6.275 million.
Billingsley was drafted by the Dodgers with the 24th pick of the first round in 2003, and made his major league debut in 2006. "Through his professional career Chad has shown that he is very capable of winning games and taking the ball," said general manager Colletti. "His won-loss record speaks to that as well as his innings pitched totals."
Billingsley's new contract runs from 2012 to 2014, with the option for 2015. Billingsley also has a partial no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to 10 teams, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Here is the breakdown of the deal:
- 2012: $9 million
- 2013: $11 million
- 2014: $12 million
- 2015: $14 million option (or $3 million buyout)
The Dodgers also have Clayton Kershaw under team control through 2014, his final season of arbitration eligibility, meaning that Kershaw and Billingsley will front the Dodger rotation for at least the next four years. Which is exciting news for Dodgers fans.
For more news and information on Billingsley and the Dodgers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.