Person familiar with negotiations: RHP Josh Johnson, Marlins agree to $39 million, 4-year deal

AP source: Johnson, Marlins reach $39M, 4-yr deal

MIAMI — A person familiar with Josh Johnson’s contract negotiations says the Florida Marlins ace has agreed to a $39 million, four-year deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Marlins hadn’t announced an agreement.

The deal was reached Thursday, only two days after the perennially frugal franchise announced an agreement with the players’ union to increase spending.

The only Marlins player with a comparable contract is star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who signed a $70 million, six-year deal in 2008.

Johnson was a first-time All-Star last season, when he had a career-best record of 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 209 innings. The right-hander is 22-6 since coming back in 2008 from elbow ligament replacement surgery.