Update 15:11: Crasnick writes that this contract cover Johnson for the first two years of salary arbitration eligibility and the first two years of free agency.

“I’m excited,” Johnson said. “It sets up me and my family for life. One of the best parts is knowing where I’m going to be the next four years. I won’t have to hear about any trade rumors or anything like that. I’m happy to be in South Florida.”

15:00: Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports via Twitter that right-handed pitcher Josh Johnson has agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with the Florida Marlins. Crasnick goes on to say that Johnson’s deal falls between Johan Santana’s four-year, $40 million deal with the Minnesota Twins (2005-2008) and Zach Greinke’s four-year, $38 million deal with the Kansas City Royals (2009-2012).

On Tuesday, the Marlins, the union and Major League Baseball announced that the team will increase spending towards player’s salaries.  There have been complaints that the team’s payroll has been so small that it violates baseball’s revenue sharing provisions.  The Marlins have been last in payroll in three of the last four years, but have outperformed teams spending much more money.

It’s probably not a coincidence that this agreement and the contract of Johnson occurred around the same.  Johnson was in line to make about $4.2 million in arbitration this year.  All winter the Marlins have been offering a three-year deal, but Johnson and his agent, Matt Sosnick have insisted on a four-year deal.

The 25 year old Johnson had a 15-5 record with a 3.23 ERA in 2009 with the Marlins. You can see Johnson’s contract history and statistics here.