Cesar Tordesillas

The San Francisco Giants have signed catcher Buster Posey to the richest deal in franchise history -- a nine-year, $167 million contract which runs through 2021, with a team option for 2022.

"It's a surreal feeling to know that I'll be here for the next nine years. ... I'm thrilled," said Posey, who was given a full no-trade clause for the duration of the contract.

Posey led the National League last season with a .336 batting average and hit 24 home runs with 103 RBIs to earn the MVP award.

The Giants captured their second championship in three years behind the outstanding play of their All-Star catcher, who won the NL batting title and MVP award after missing most of 2011 following season-ending left leg and ankle injury.

Posey's contract eclipsed the six-year, $127.5 million deal that right-hander Matt Cain signed last year for the franchise's richest-ever pact.

The contract gives Posey a $7 million signing bonus, with $5 million payable Oct. 15 and the remainder Jan. 15 while his 2013 salary is reduced to $3 million.

Posey will make $10.5 million in 2014, $16.5 million in 2015, $20 million in 2016 and $21.4 million in each of the following five seasons. The Giants' option is for $22 million with a $3 million buyout.

The contract includes the following bonuses: $100,000 for NL MVP, $100,000 for World Series MVP, $75,000 for NL championship series MVP, $50,000 for a Gold Glove, $50,000 for All-Star Game election, $25,000 for All-Star selection and $50,000 for a Silver Slugger.

"We're extremely pleased to reach an agreement that keeps Buster in a Giants uniform for a long time," Posey's agent, Jeff Berry of CAA Baseball, said. "Buster and the Giants have brought each other mutual success, and this contract reflects Buster's extraordinary accomplishments in just three years in the Major Leagues."

In 2010, Posey was called up from Triple-A Fresno late May but still batted .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs in 108 games to help the Giants capture their first NL West crown since 2003.

San Francisco gave him $6.2 million when he signed in August 2008 as the fifth overall pick out of Florida State, the richest deal for an amateur joining the Giants.

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Giants Sign Buster Posey to Richest Deal in Franchise History