McLean, VA (Sports Network) - Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez will soon become a lot richer.
According to USA Today Sports, Hernandez and the club have agreed to a seven- year, $175 million contract that should be finalized before spring training.
The deal, which would make "King Felix" the highest paid pitcher in MLB history, replaces the final two years of his existing contract. The new contract will take effect this season and pay Hernandez $25 million annually through 2019.
Last year, Hernandez, the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, went 13-9 with a 3.06 ERA and recorded 223 strikeouts in a season highlighted by a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15.
Hernandez, who turns 27 in April, has made 238 starts for the Mariners since debuting in 2005, going 98-76 with a 3.22 ERA.
