Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal for $9.35 million. The deal can escalate to $9.5 million with incentives.

Papelbon was willing to take his chances with a an arbitrator, but that never happened. He willing to go year-to-year to maximize the total value of his contracts.

According to ESPN, the contract is the largest ever for a relief pitcher with four years or less in service time, topping Eric Gagne’s $8 million in 2005. Seven big league closers have contracts for $10 million or more. Papelbon’s deal puts him just under that number.

Papelbon, 29, was 1-1 with a 1.85 ERA and 38 saves in 66 relief appearances with the Red Sox in 2009. You can see Papelbon’s contract history and statistics here.