By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The Associated Press has learned that Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has agreed to a seven-year, $100 million contract that will keep him in St. Louis.
That means he apparently won't be going to arbitration on Friday. The deal also includes an eighth-year, $11 million option.
Pujols led the majors last year with a .359 average. He hit 43 homers and drove in 124 runs. He also led the majors with 51 doubles.
Pujols finished second to Barry Bonds in NL Most Valuable Player voting last year while making $950,000. He's hit .334 with 114 homers and 381 RBI's in his first three big league seasons.