NEW YORK — The New York Yankees and Jorge Posada agreed Monday night to a $52.4 million, four-year contract that keeps the catcher off the free-agent market.

A five-time All-Star, Posada said Sunday he was "really close" to a deal with the Yankees and his preference was to remain with the only major league team he's played for.

A person familiar with the talks confirmed the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team didn't announce it. The sides were working late Monday on wrapping up details of the agreement, which was first reported by the Daily News on its Web site. Posada must pass a physical before the contract is finalized.

Posada's $13.1 million average salary becomes the highest for a catcher, topping the $10 million Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez and Boston's Jason Varitek currently are guaranteed and the $13 million Mike Piazza averaged under his contract with the New York Mets from 1999-05. Rodriguez will earn $13 million next year.