The Cleveland Indians announced Friday that they have signed their all-star second basemen, Jason Kipnis, to a long-term contract extension.
The deal will keep Kipnis in Cleveland through at least the 2019 season. According to Cleveland.com it is a six-year contract extension worth $52.5 million and a club option for the seventh year.
Kipnis was a key part of the Indians' surprising successful season in 2013. During that year he was selected to his first All-Star Game.
According to The Associated Press, Kipnis had a batting average of .284, 17 home runs, 84 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and scored 86 runs in the 149 games he played in the 2013 season. He also led the team in hits, RBIs, runs and steals.
The Indians front office has made it clear that they want to keep their young talent in Cleveland for many more years to come. In addition to Kipnis' deal, the Indians have recently signed catcher Yan Gomes and outfielder Michael Brantley to long-term conrtact extensions, according to Cleveland.com.
The next player up for the Indians to sign to a long-term contract should be their ace Justin Masterson.
The Indians hope to finish off what they started in 2013 and have continued success this season and many more to come.