PHILADELPHIA — Cole Hamels has the contact he wanted to go along with the World Series championship he's still savoring.

Hamels signed a three-year, $20.5 million contract with the Phillies, keeping the 25-year-old World Series MVP winner in Philadelphia through the 2011 season. The deal allows the Phillies to avoid an arbitration hearing.

"It seemed like something that was going to occur," Hamels said on Sunday.

Hamels went 4-0 in the postseason with an 1.80 ERA as the Phillies claimed their first championship since 1980. He won the first game in three playoff series and took the MVP award in the NL championship series against the Dodgers.

Hamels said he still gets goosebumps every time he watches the World Series highlights video and wants to experience another championship in Philadelphia.

"If I'm able to go out there and repeat, I think it's just going to make it a really nice, sweet time for this baseball city," Hamels said.

Hamels lives in Philadelphia year round and promised a good portion of his contact would be donated to his charitable foundation.

He was 14-10 with two shutouts a 3.09 ERA during the regular season and was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He made 33 starts and pitched a career-high 227 1-3 innings, finishing with 196 strikeouts and 53 walks.

Hamels was a first-round pick in 2002. He made his major league debut in 2006 and led the team with 15 wins in his first full season in 2007.

"It just goes to show you how much Cole's improved the last three years and what the organization thinks of him," said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. "From a manager's standpoint, it makes me feel real good to know we've got him for three more years."

Phillies players remaining in arbitration are first baseman Ryan Howard, outfielders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth and right-handers Joe Blanton, Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson. Those who don't settle by Tuesday will exchange figures with the club, and hearings are to take place next month.