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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Big Mac Signs Big Pact To Remain With Cardinals

Associated Press

The St. Louis Cardinals have Mark McGwire for at least three more seasons, and they didn’t have to tear up the team to keep him.

McGwire, who joined Babe Ruth last week as the only players with consecutive 50-homer seasons, signed a three-year, $28 million deal Tuesday.

The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and a fourth season at McGwire’s option that brings the total package to nearly $40 million.

One of McGwire’s agents, Bob Cohen, said the slugger could have commanded at least another million per season on the free-agent market. Instead, he wanted to stay so much he not only signed for less, he agreed to defer about 25 percent of the money until he retires.

The negotiating process took only a week or so and the deal was finalized late Monday night.

The deferred money and below-market salary will allow the Cardinals to attempt to re-sign pitchers Andy Benes and Todd Stottlemyre. Benes, who is 28-17 in two seasons with the Cardinals, has a player option on his deal. The team has an option on the contract of Stottlemyre, 26-20 in two seasons with the team.

McGwire has 52 home runs, which ties his career best, with 18 coming with St. Louis.