It was not exactly a secret, but the Indians officially announced on Wednesday that they have signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year extension, covering the All-Star for one free agent year. The news first came out on Sunday that the Tribe had reached an agreement, but it was unlikely that they make if official until operations were moved from Arizona back to Cleveland with Opening Day on Thursday. With everyone back on the north coast, the club announced a press conference for Wednesday afternoon:
Via @ZackMeisel:
Indians have officially announced 2-year extension for shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera through 2014 season. Press conference this afternoon.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 4, 2012
The deal is reportedly a two-year, $16.5 million extension. Indians President Mark Shapiro told the press all spring that they were trying to lock up core players long-term, including a number of multi-year contract offers to Shin-Soo Choo. While not a long-term deal, eliminating the All-Star shortstop's final arbitration year and a year of free agency is a good start. The Cabrera contract comes on the heels of a one-year, $4.55 million deal this offseason that avoided arbitration.
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