Saberhagen Gets 3-Year Extension Worth $8.9 Million From Royals

Bret Saberhagen has been given a three-year contract extension worth $8.9 million by the Kansas City Royals, making him the highest-paid player in baseball, it was learned Friday.

Saberhagen could have become a free agent after next season had the Royals not given him the contract extension, which runs from 1991 through ’93.

The 25-year-old right-hander will earn $2.75 million in both 1991 and ’92 and $2.8 million in ’93. He also got a $600,000 signing bonus, pushing the total to $8.9 million.

The Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser is in the middle of a three-year, $7.9-million contract. Hershiser made $2.4 million in 1989 and will get $1.6 million next season and $2.8 million in 1991. Hershiser got a $1.1-million signing bonus.

The Dodgers’ Eddie Murray, in the final two years of a five-year deal, will make $2.7 million in 1990 and $2.8 million in 1991. Murray’s average salary during the length of his contract is $2.5 million.

Saberhagen, 23-6 last season after winning 20 of his last 22 games, had the option year of his contract, 1990, picked up shortly after the season ended. He will be paid $1.4 million in 1990.

Saberhagen, who starred as a pitcher and shortstop at Cleveland High School in Reseda, was named the American League Cy Young Award winner Wednesday. He also won the award in 1985.

Kansas City recently signed 15-game winner Mark Gubicza to a three-year contract through 1992, meaning the Royals now have their top two pitchers locked up through the ’92 season.

“We are delighted that Bret’s career with the Royals will continue well into the future,” General Manager John Schuerholz said. “He has established himself as one of the top pitchers in major league baseball and this contract reflects that.”