Former Cy Young award winning pitcher Barry Zito has signed a seven-year $126 million (64 million pounds) contract with the San Francisco Giants, the biggest ever for a Major League Baseball pitcher, local media reported on Thursday.

Since 2000 the ace left-handed pitcher known for his excellent curve ball has played across the bridge from San Francisco with the Oakland Athletics.

The decision to sign the 2002 American League Cy Young winner to a seven-year contract aims to boost the Giants especially after the retirement of star slugger Barry Bonds, who recently agreed to a one-year deal with the team.

Zito declined offers from the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers, deciding instead to stay in the Bay Area. A Giants spokeswoman declined to comment on the deal.

Known for his eccentricities, the colourful 28-year-old composes music on guitar, has made acting appearances on television and performed in a local production of the Nutcracker ballet in 2002 and 2003.

In 2006, Zito was 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA. He has a career ERA of 3.55.