The Rays announced they’ve signed shortstop Yunel Escobar to a two-year, $13MM extension for 2015 and 2016, plus a club option for 2017.
Per Charlie Wilmoth of MLB Trade Rumors,
Escobar will make $5MM in 2014 in the first option year of a two-year deal for 2012 and 2013 that included two options. His new contract will replace the $5MM team option for 2015 on his old one, so this new deal essentially locks the Rays in for that $5MM in 2015 and for $8MM more for 2016, while giving them rights to 2017.
Escobar slashed .256 BA/.332 OBP/.366 SLG/.698 OPS for the Rays in 2013, and provided excellent value defensively — he posted a 10.7 UZR in 2013 and has been a consistently above-average defensive shortstop throughout his career. Though he provides little power a good on-base ability (.350 career on-base percentage) go well with his strong defense.