National League RBI leader Andre Ethier‘s contract has reportedly been extended by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tony Jackson of ESPN Los Angeles reported that a “source with knowledge of the situation” told him that it is a five-year extension worth $85 million.
That will tie Ethier to the Dodgers through 2017 and prevent him from hitting free agency, as his contract was set to expire at the end of this season.
The 30-year-old outfielder is hitting .287 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI. Ethier has played seven seasons in the majors, and they have all been with the Dodgers. For his career, he is batting .291 and has 119 home runs.
This deal has the feel of Magic Johnson and his fellow owners itching to make a move—like someone buying a new toy and finding any excuse to play with it.
I can see the owners sitting around and saying, “Hmm, there is not a lot we can do after buying a successful team midseason. I know! Let’s extend a contract!”
This is a nice gesture by the Dodgers to take care of a loyal and productive player. This kind of thing can build organizational pride and make players proud to be a Dodger.
This move makes a statement, but it certainly wasn’t a pressing need.
It is hard to imagine Ethier getting a better offer in the upcoming free-agency period than five years and $85 million.
Who knows what the real thought process is here? What we do know is that the reliably consistent Ethier is well on his way to knowing nothing but Dodger blue for his major-league career.
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