Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians Reach Five-Year Extension

Yesterday the Cleveland Indians announced a five-year contract extension with catcher Carlos Santana.  The new deal, which will pay Santana a guaranteed $21 million over the five years, includes a $12 million club option.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer provided a breakdown of Santana’s new deal with the Indians.  The 26-year-old receives a $1 million signing bonus and base salaries of $550,000, $3.5 million, $6.0 million and $8.25 million.  The total value of Santana’s extension has the potential to increase to $33 million if the Indians exercise their option and keep him for six seasons.

Santana was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in July of 2008 along with Jon Meloan for Casey Blake.  At that time the trade was thought to be a coup for the Indians, and as Santana has developed into the player he is today this sentiment has only increased.

Santana is one of Cleveland’s top young position players.  Beyond his role as catcher, Santana is one of the Indians most productive hitters.  Last year in his first full season with the club, Santana maintained an OPS of .808 with 27 home runs, 35 doubles, 84 runs scored and 79 RBIs.

For more on the Indians, be sure to check out Wahoo’s on First.

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