The Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with superstar second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
Rob Bradford of WEEI.com broke the news on Tuesday:
Pedroia and Red Sox have agreed in principle on extension. Starts in 2015 goes to ’21. Comes down to approximatey 7 years for $100 million
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) July 23, 2013
This lucrative deal runs through 2021 and doesn’t go into action until the conclusion of next season. However, it virtually guarantees that he’ll end his career in Boston. The 29-year-old was just named to his fourth All-Star team, his first selection since 2010.
Although the Red Sox have gone three consecutive seasons without making the MLB playoffs, Pedroia has displayed admirable consistency amidst the team’s struggles. He has become a Boston staple after showing his durability and commitment to the team.
When playing deep into October was not a tangible possibility last season, he still opted to finish the remainder of the year in spite of a broken finger on his left hand.
Even on Opening Day this season, he tore an ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, but he has still been gutting it out. That’s the type of effort and determination Pedroia has played with in his seven seasons in Boston, and it’s a big reason for the fans holding him in such a high regard.
As the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year, Pedroia immediately burst onto the scene and was a key contributor to the World Series title in that memorable postseason.
Pedroia is batting .308 with six home runs and 57 RBI in 2013 thus far. He has remained a great contact hitter and stellar fielder, which is why the Red Sox rewarded him with such a massive payday.
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