Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver throws in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics during the first game of their MLB American League baseball game doubleheader in Oakland, California
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver throws in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics during the first game of their MLB American League baseball game doubleheader in Oakland, California July 16, 2011 Reuters

The Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of their ace pitcher for the next half a decade after Jered Weaver agreed to a five-year contract extension with the AL West team on Sunday.

The contract, worth $85 million according to Major League baseball's website (mlb.com), will be formally announced at a news conference at Angel Stadium on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was due to become a free agent after the 2012 season but OPted to commit to his hometown franchise and the team with which he has spent his first six seasons in the Major League.

After a promising start to his career, the power-pitching Weaver is clearly reaching new levels this season as he has posted a 14-6 record with an American League-leading 2.10 ERA.

Weaver, who led the Major League in strikeouts last season, started the All-Star Game for the AL side last month in his second consecutive appearance as an All Star.

He currently has the Angels (69-59) locked in an AL West race with the Texas Rangers who lead the division by four games.

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