Reds Extend Larkin’s Pact; Mvp Says “I’M Happy Here”

National League MVP Barry Larkin and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Tuesday to a $16.5 million, three-year extension through 1999 with a club option for 2000 that could make the deal worth $21.2 million.

“I didn’t want to have to test the free-agent market,” Larkin said. “I’m happy here. I’ve been treated well here. The Reds have been good to me.”

Larkin, 30, hit .319 with 15 homers, 66 RBIs and 51 stolen bases last season. He won his second straight Gold Glove at shortstop and sixth Silver Slugger.

“We’re real excited to have Barry back here,” general manager Jim Bowden said. “In these economic times, clubs have to pick and choose who they sign.”

Larkin will get $5.3 million this season, his last under a $25.6 million, five-year contract agreed to in January 1992. The extension calls for $5.3 million a year for three seasons, and Cincinnati has a $5.3 million option for 2000 or must pay a $600,000 buyout. The option becomes guaranteed if Larkin has 525 plate appearances in any of the first three extension seasons.

Free-agent first baseman Eddie Williams and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a $325,000, one-year contract that gives him the chance to earn $150,000 more in performance bonuses.

Former Milwaukee and Chicago Cubs manager Tom Trebelhorn was hired by the Baltimore Orioles as minor league coordinator of instruction.

Baltimore hired Ross Grimsley, 45, who pitched five seasons for the Orioles, as pitching coach at Class AAA Rochester.