The Cleveland Indians have locked up star second baseman Jason Kipnis to a six-year contract extension today. The deal is worth at least $52.5 million and includes an option for a seventh year at $16.5 million.
The 27-year-old Kipnis is just starting his third season in the majors. The contract extension starts immediately and takes up this season plus three years of salary arbitration and a further two years of free agency.
The deal breaks down as follows:
• 2014: $1 million signing bonus plus $2 million salary (replaces $554,900 salary)
• 2015: $4 million
• 2016: $6 million
• 2017: $9 million
• 2018: $13.5 million
• 2019: $14.5 million
• 2020: $16.5 million club option with $2.5 million buyout
“It’s an amazing feeling to get something done,” Kipnis said. “I wanted to stay here. I’m excited about being here. ”
“It’s the ownership, the top, showing us that they believe in us, that we’ve got the guys who can win games now and we want them to stick around,” Kipnis said. “I’m excited about being a part of that.”
Jason Kipnis hit .284/.366/.452 (133 OPS+) last season with 17 homeruns, 84 RBIs, 30 steals and 86 runs scored. He was named an all-star for the first time in his two-year career. Over his career he is a .270/.348/.42 with 38 homeruns and 68 steals.
With the move the Indians have locked up a big piece of their core, and a player who is emerging as one of the best second basemen in baseball. He joins Michael Brantley (four years) and Yan Gomes (six years) as core players who the Indians have locked up long-term this year.
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