ESPN: Angels Nearing One-Year Deal with Raul Ibanez
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Jamie Squire/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Raul Ibanez continues to win his battle over Father Time as ESPN is reporting that he’s nearing a one-year-deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
The deal would reportedly pay $2.75 million in base salary, but includes incentives that could raise the deal to $5 million.
Ibanez will turn 42 in June, but despite his advanced age in the sports world, he continues to be a productive player. Many players are relegated to being a DH once they hit a certain age, but even at 41, Ibanez played 100 games in the outfield for the Seattle Mariners in 2013.
Ibanez had one of the best seasons ever for a player over the age of 40. In 124 games played in 2013, he hit .242 with 29 home runs and 65 RBIs. In 18 Major League seasons, Ibanez is a career .276 hitter with 300 home runs and 1,181 RBIs.
The Angels will rely on Ibanez to help fill the void of the recently traded Mark Trumbo.
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