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Dustin Pedroia Signs Extension

After an MVP 2008 season for Dustin Pedroia, the Red Sox have rewarded him with a six-year, $40.5 million extension. A 3 p.m. news conference was held to announce the deal.

Pedroia had an outstanding 2008 season in which he batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs. The 25-year-old also had 213 hits, 118 runs and 54 doubles on the season. Pedroia will receive a $1.5 million signing bonus and his base salary in 2009 will also be $1.5 million. The deal is heavily back loaded with salaries of $10 million in 2013 and 2014. There is a club option for 2015.

My Take: It’s a great deal for both sides as it will keep some stability at the second base position for a long time to come. I’m not sure if Pedroia can repeat his 2008 stats in the future, but like the catcher position there really aren’t a whole lot of great second basemen out there. The Red Sox are smart to sign him now before he’s worth even more as a free agent in the future.

Tags: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

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