The Starlin Castro contract extension was basically all-but-official nine days ago -- this took its sweet time in getting done, but now the Cubs have announced that they've come to terms with their All-Star shortstop on a seven-year contract, confirming the deal via their Twitter account. Although that announcement came with precious little additional information, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat is reporting a more detailed breakdown:
Cubs Confirm Starlin Castro Extension
The deal reportedly includes a $6 million signing bonus with salaries of $5 million for 2013 and 2014; $6 million in 2015; $7 million in 2016; $9 million in 2017; $10 million in 2018; and $11 million in 2019. There also is a reported club option for 2020 of $16 million, or a $1 million buyout.Castro, 22, has been with the Cubs since 2010 and has been named to the All-Star team for two consecutive years. Although he’s having a difficult summer, with a relatively disappointing batting line of .276/.311/.418 after an outstanding sophomore campaign, Castro remains one of the key building blocks of the franchise. Plus-hitting shortstops don’t come around too often, and you’d have to imagine that Theo Epstein’s only too happy to have him locked up for most of the rest of the decade.
For more on the Cubs, please visit Bleed Cubbie Blue and SB Nation Chicago.
See More:
