ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jay Franklin, the agent for Ian Kinsler, said he and the Texas Rangers' front office worked for four or five long days to reach agreement on a five-year, $75 million contract extension for the second baseman.
The deal, pending a physical, goes into effect next season. The contract includes a $10 million option for a sixth year that could keep the 29-year-old Kinsler in a Texas uniform through the 2018 season. Kinsler is guaranteed $75 million because the deal includes a $5 million buyout should the club not pick up the option.
Kinsler didn't have any comment about the contract before Tuesday's game, politely saying that he'd answer questions at a Wednesday news conference.
"I don't think Ian and the Rangers wanted to give up on the deal, as close as we were when the deadline came," Franklin said. "I think it worked out well for Ian and the Rangers. It speaks volumes to Rangers fans because it shows the commitment they have and what they are trying to do here.
"They want to establish a dynasty and an elite franchise and they are doing that."
Kinsler, Texas' leadoff hitter, hit .255 with 32 home runs and 77 RBIs last season. He also stole 30 bases, joining the 30/30 club for the second time in his career. He had 31 homers and 31 stolen bases in 2009.
Through four games this season he has a .333 batting average (5 for 15) with two homers and four RBIs.
Since becoming a regular as a rookie in 2006, Kinsler has steadily improved defensively and put up solid numbers at the plate. He's also become a leader in the clubhouse and a key member of the Rangers' core.
Kinsler joins Derek Holland as two players of that core to get long-term deals this spring. Holland's deal includes two club options and could keep him in Texas for seven years.