Advertisement

Dodgers’ Chad Billingsley reportedly agrees to contract extension worth $35-$36 million

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Starting pitcher Chad Billingsley reached tentative agreement with the Dodgers on a three-year contract extension worth between $35 million and $36 million with a possible option for a fourth year, two people familiar with the talks said Monday.

The Dodgers declined comment on the report from the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been signed.

Advertisement

After the Dodgers practiced Monday before their exhibition game against the Angels at Dodger Stadium, Billingsley confirmed that he was in contract negotiations but the right-hander would not discuss any specific terms.

But Billingsley, the Dodgers’ first-round draft pick in 2003 and now a member of their starting rotation, said he hoped to extend his career with the Dodgers.

‘I started my career here in 2003 and love what this organization stands for,’ he said.

Billingsley, 26, and the Dodgers avoided a salary arbitration hearing in January when Billingsley signed a one-year, $6.275-million contract. The Ohio native, who was 12-11 with a 3.57 earned-run average last season, was eligible for arbitration for the second time. He was paid $3.85 million in 2010.

The extension, if finalized, would run at least through 2014 and have the effect of postponing Billingsley’s entrance into free agency by two years.

The Dodgers open the season Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.

--Jim Peltz

Advertisement