WASHINGTON - Right fielder Austin Kearns and the Washington Nationals agreed Thursday to a three-year contract that guarantees him $17.5 million, adding a long-term piece to the team's rebuilding effort.

Washington Nationals outfielder Austin Kearns meets reporters in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 during a news conference to announce his new three-year contract extension. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"I don't think there's going to be a better place to be very soon," Kearns said. "I feel comfortable here and I feel good about where it's going."

Kearns will get $3.5 million this year, $5 million in 2008, and $8 million in 2009, and the Nationals hold a $10 million club option for 2010, with a $1 million buyout. The contract does not include bonus clauses.

"Certainly we think Austin's going to be a cornerstone of this franchise," general manager Jim Bowden said. "His best years are ahead of him. His prime just starts now."

Kearns had filed for arbitration, asking for $4.25 million in 2007, while the Nationals offered $3.65 million. He made $1.85 million last season, when he hit .264 with 24 homers, 33 doubles and 86 RBIs for the Nationals and Reds.

Washington acquired Kearns, infielder Felipe Lopez and reliever Ryan Wagner in July in an eight-player trade with Cincinnati.

In five major league seasons, the 26-year-old Kearns has batted .265 with 79 homers, 104 doubles and 299 RBIs.

He's expected to be a middle-of-the-lineup fixture for Washington, which is revamping its player development system after three consecutive last-place finishes in the NL East.

Kearns joins third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year in 2006), first baseman Nick Johnson and catcher Brian Schneider as the team's building blocks. Johnson and Schneider both signed deals through 2009 last offseason.

"We have a good core group," Kearns said. "I don't think people actually realize the talent that already is here and how close this thing can get to where we want it."