Major League Baseball

Lucroy agrees to 5-year deal with Brewers

Published Mar. 27, 2012 11:42 p.m. ET

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Jonathan Lucroy has the security he wanted.

''It gives me a chance to go out and play every day, to put this (contract) behind us, move forward and try to win a championship,'' the Milwaukee Brewers catcher said Tuesday after agreeing to a five-year contract worth about $11 million. The deal would increase to $13 million if he is eligible for salary arbitration after this season.

Lucroy agreed last month to a one-year contract that paid $492,000 in the majors. The new deal adds four seasons plus a club option for 2017.

The 25-year-old hit .265 with 12 home runs in 136 games last year, his first full season in the major leagues. The Brewers had a 3.63 ERA when Lucroy caught and went 68-46 when he started.

''I am hard on myself,'' Lucroy said. ''I don't want to be content. If you think you have it figured out, you don't.''

Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin appreciates what a catcher goes through, the physical nature of the position combined with the mental aspects, keeping five different starting pitchers on track.

''It's important to know the guys, have a comfort level. It helps out now and down the road,'' Lucroy said.

Milwaukee as five homegrown core players under multiyear contracts. NL MVP Ryan Braun is signed through 2020, pitcher Yovani Gallardo and second baseman Rickie Weeks through 2014 and outfielder

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