Major League Baseball

Source: Reds' Marshall signs extension

Published Feb. 27, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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The Cincinnati Reds locked up left-hander Sean Marshall on Monday, signing him to a three-year, $16.5 million contract, according to a major-league source.

The deal also includes $2 million in performances each season — half for games started, half for games finished, the source said.

In other words, the contract acknowledges that the Reds might use Marshall as either a starter or closer in the future.

Marshall, 29, will earn $3.1 million this season. His new deal goes from 2013 to '15.

The Reds acquired Marshall during the offseason from the Chicago Cubs, parting with a relatively steep package — left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and minor-league infielder Ronald Torreyes.

The extension gives the Reds control of Marshall for four years and a greater return on the trade.

Marshall is coming off arguably his best season in the majors. He went 6-6 with a 2.26 ERA in 78 relief appearances for the Cubs.

The Reds also have interest in signing second baseman Brandon Phillips and first baseman Joey Votto to long-term contracts. Phillips’ contract is up after this season, Votto’s after next.

“We’re doing everything we can to try to keep these guys,” owner Bob Castellini told FOXSports.com Saturday in Goodyear, Ariz. “I think those are two fellows (Phillips and Votto) who would really like to stay.”

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