Boston Red Sox star second baseman Dustin Pedroia agreed to a deal Tuesday that could make him the highest-paid middle infielder in Major League Baseball history, according to WEEI.com citing a league source.
The deal is reportedly a seven-year extension that could possibly give the former MVP about $100 million. The agreement also has a no-trade clause. Pedroia had one more year on his contract in addition to a team option for 2015.
Pedroia is having a great season for the NL East-leading Red Sox. He is batting .308 with six homers , 57 RBIs and a .385 OBP. He has been a vital piece in the lineup as the number three hitter and has a .303 BA with runners in scoring position.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington spoke last month about giving Pedroia an extension.
"Speaking generally about Dustin, he's certainly a guy we think very highly of, and he's a huge part of the organization, not just this team,” said Cherington according to ESPNBoston.com. “He represents a lot of what we're all about.”
Pedroia was offered the deal during the All-Star break.
"It's our sincere hope he's here for a long time; that's all I can say. We've got a good enough relationship with Dustin and his representatives that those conversations will happen over time,” continued Cherington. “At the right time, we'll just have to see down the road what comes of it."
According to WEEI.com, in June Red Sox Principal owner John Henry appeared on the “Mut & Mertoni” show and discussed his desire to begin giving shorter contracts to players. He also mentioned how Pedroia would be an exception.
“You have to look at every situation, every player differently. Dustin Pedroia, for instance, is a completely different player — Dustin would be completely different than going out into the free agent market and signing someone,” explained Henry.
Experts believe this move could likely affect the New York Yankees talks with second baseman slugger Robinson Cano (.303 BA, 21 HR, 69 RBI and a .386 OBP). While this new agreement may currently make Pedroia the highest paid infielder, it is widely suspected Cano’s deal will hand him much more than the Red Sox All-Star.
