On the eve of a new season, the Cleveland Indians locked up one of their best players for a few more.
The team and Asdrubal Cabrera finalized a three-year contract on Wednesday, a deal that adds two additional seasons for the All-Star shortstop.
The agreement was announced one day before the Indians’ 2012 season opener at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cabrera signed a one-year, $4.55 million deal this winter to avoid arbitration. He would have been eligible for free agency after this season.
The 26-year-old Cabrera had a breakout season in 2011, batting .273 with 25 homers and 92 RBIs. Before last season, the switch hitter had just 18 career homers. Cabrera led AL shortstops in RBIs, was tied for first in hits (165) and was second in doubles (32) and runs (87). Before giving Cabrera his new deal, the Indians did not have a player signed past 2012.
Cabrera was a steadying force for the Indians last season, when injuries finally overwhelmed the club and erased a surprisingly strong start. He earned his first All-Star selection, won a Silver Slugger following the season and set a franchise record for home runs by a shortstop. Cleveland acquired Cabrera from Seattle in 2006 in a trade for first baseman Eduardo Perez. Cabrera has batted .281 with 43 homers and 258 RBIs in 538 games with the Indians.
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