Dustin Pedroia is likely to end his career as a member of the Red Sox.
The second baseman has agreed to terms on a 7-year, $100 million contract extension that would take him through the 2021 season, at which point he will be 38-years-old.
Pedroia is signed through the 2014 season. The Red Sox held a team option worth $11 million for 2015 but will forfeit that under the terms of the new contract. Starting in 2015, Pedroia will receive an average of $14.28 million a season.
Pedroia also has full no-trade protection. It is the first $100 million deal for a second baseman in baseball history.
The Red Sox had dual motivations to sign Pedroia now rather than waiting for his current deal to expire. From owner John Henry down throughout the organization, Pedroia is regarded as a model player both for his performance and personality. He has become the de facto captain of the team and, along with designated hitter David Ortiz, the face of the franchise.
The Red Sox also should benefit by signing Pedroia before Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano becomes a free agent after the season and sets a new standard for second basemen.
Although Pedroia compares favorably to Cano statistically and is 10 months younger, Cano could realize an average annual value of close to $20 million.
News of the Pedroia extension came from WEEI.com.
