The Angels locked up catcher Max Stassi for at least two additional seasons, agreeing on Thursday to a three-year $17.5 million contract.

Stassi was already set to make $3 million in 2022, his final season before free agency. The Angels inked him for $7 million per year in 2023 and 2024. They have a $7.5 million club option, or a $500,000 buyout, for 2025.

Stassi and General Manager Perry Minasian are scheduled to discuss the deal on Friday.

Stassi, 31, has always been considered an outstanding defensive catcher, specifically known for his pitch framing.

His offense improved in recent years.

Stassi had a career .204 batting average and .611 OPS through 2019, but in the shortened 2020 season he hit .278 with an .886 OPS and seven home runs in 105 plate appearances.

Last season, Stassi hit .241 with a .752 OPS and 13 homers in 319 plate appearances in 87 games. In addition to his home runs, he also established new career highs in hits (68), RBIs (35), runs scored (45) and walks (28).

The overall OPS for major league catchers last season was .697.

The Angels did not have an apparent replacement for Stassi if he’d left as a free agent following the 2022 season.

Kurt Suzuki is the current backup. Matt Thaiss, a former college catcher, was moved back to catcher last season after spending his entire pro career at other positions. The Angels also have journeymen Chad Wallach and Austin Romine in camp.

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