Mark Buehrle and the White Sox agreed to a new contract Sunday, ending weeks of protracted negotiations and trade rumors. The pitcher’s deal is worth $56 million over four years. It does not include a full no-trade clause, as Buehrle originally sought, but it does provide compensation for the 28-year-old lefty if he is dealt.
Should Buehrle be traded at any time during the life of the contract, he will receive a fifth year worth $15 million. His salary for each of the first four years also will be bumped from $14 million to $15 million, increasing the deal’s value to five years and $75 million.
The White Sox gave Buehrle a full no-trade clause in 2008, the first year of the contract. In July 2010 he will gain the right to veto any trade when he becomes a player with 10 years of major-league service, five with the same club.
Buehrle, who is 6-4 with a 3.03 ERA, could have been a free agent after this season. His career record is 103-70 in eight seasons, all with the White Sox.
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