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I think you did him a huge favor, by paying far more than he would/could have earned in his pre-arbitration years, without extending him beyond that period. He can re-negotiate in three years, or test free agency. If he plays well, he will have all of the leverage. I would have tried for seven years, with escalating amounts for the last four years, to reflect the fact he could pursue arbitration and then free agency. It's a gamble, but locking up a good young player makes sense, as compared to having to overpay him after three years. Plus it secures him for the team, one less spot in the lineup to worry over, and sends a message that you are committed to the future.
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