Los Angeles Angels To Extend Erick Aybar
In the last month of so there have been numerous reports of extensions throughout Major League Baseball from the likes of Joey Votto to recently the Madison Bumgarner extension. The Los Angeles Angels have become the latest player in extension talks as they are nearing a deal to extend infielder Erick Aybar.
According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick the deal is going to be up to four years and it will be worth roughly $35 million. However, according to MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez, Aybar’s agent said the deal is not finalized and they still have to “cross the Ts and dot the Is.” Once finished, Aybar’s deal will keep Aybar in Los Angeles until the 2016 season.
Aybar has been the full-time shortstop for the Angles since the 2008 season. The 2009 was by far is best season when he batted .312/.353/.423 that year. Aybar also drove in 58 RBI as well. Last season, Aybar seemed to just produce his average numbers. He batted .279/.322/.421 and drove in a career-high 59 RBI while also recording a career-high in doubles with 33.
The 28-year-old infielder is basing his extension off of teammate Howie Kendrick‘s deal that he received in January that will keep him through the 2015 season. Kendrick’s deal was worth $33.5 million.
Consider the Aybar deal to be a win-win. The Angels lock up a player that can produce at the plate and can defend greatly. Aybar came away with a Gold Glove last season as well.
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