Baseball - Harang Agrees To $36.5 Million Deal With

Aaron Harang has agreed to a four year contract with Cincinnati Reds worth $36.5 million. This contract makes Harang Reds’ highest paid pitcher. Harang will become the highest paid member in Reds’ rotation and this contract overshadows Eric Milton’s three contract worth $25.5 million.

Harang is 28 years old and last season, he materialized one of the top starters of the NL even though he was pitching in a ballpark that is suppose to be one of the most home run friendly. He led the NL with 216 strikeouts and 6 complete games.

Harang was Reds’ last player for salary arbitration and they wanted to extend his contract. Last season, Harang made $2.35 million and he had asked for $5.5 million in arbitration while the Reds’ offered him $4.25 million.

This contract also gives Harang a club option in 2011. Reds got Harang in 2003 from Oakland as part of their midseason trade. The Reds’ moved into Great American Ball Park that season and fired their general manager, Jim Bowden. The Reds traded some veteran players for prospects and got Harang for Jose Guillen.

The Reds’ biggest weakness was their pitching and ever since Harang joined them he has become the most dependable pitcher. His best season was last year when he went for 16-11 with a 3.76 ERA in 35 starts.

In the rotation, Harang will get help from Bronson Arroyo. The Reds acquired Arroyo from Boston during spring training and in 35 starts, Arroyo has gone for 14-11 with a 3.29 ERA.