Cory Luebke Signs Extension with San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres announced an extension with left-handed starting pitcher Cory Luebke yesterday evening.  Luebke’s new deal will keep him in San Diego through at least the 2015 season and is worth a guaranteed $12 million.

The Padres also hold a pair of club options for the 2016-17 seasons that could increase the total value of the extension to $27.75 million.

Luebke, who turned 27 this month, was selected by the Padres in the supplemental first round of the 2007 MLB Draft.  After maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.49 and 1.163 over his four seasons in the minors, Luebke made his major league debut during the 2010 season.

2011 marked Luebke’s first significant stay at the major league level, as he appeared in 46 games for the Padres including 17 starts.  The southpaw logged 139 2/3 innings over that span, maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.29 and 1.067.  Luebke also posted impressive marks of 9.9 SO/9 and 2.8 BB/9.

At this point, Luebke is projected to be in San Diego’s 2012 starting rotation and is considered by some to be one of the Padres premier pitchers.

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