Indians Reward Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera With Contract Extension
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Rich Pilling/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Even though the Cleveland Indians organization is still working their way towards putting a championship caliber team on the field, they’ve made sure one of their promising young players will stay in an Indians uniform for the next couple seasons. The team has announced they have rewarded shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera with a two-year, $16.5 million contract extension.
The 26-year old Cabrera was a steady and consistent offensive shortstop during his first four seasons with the Indians, but last season was the definition of a breakout season for Cabrera.
After never hitting more than six home runs in his career, Cabrera belted 25 home runs. He also never drove in more than 68 runs in a season, but shattered that mark last season when he knocked in 92 runs. Cabrera wound up winning the Silver Slugger Award for his position in the American League.
The Indians are banking on the fact that Cabrera’s stellar 2011 season was no fluke. He will be paid $6.5 million in 2013, but will earn $10 million in 2014.