Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox Sign 7-Year Deal

Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox have reached agreement on a $100 million contract extension that runs through the 2021 season.

The All-Star second baseman’s existing contract has two years left after which the new deal will kick in, likely making him a Red Sox player for life. The new contract, which requires a physical, also contains a no-trade clause.

Pedroia stated on many occasions that he wanted to spend his entire MLB career in Boston. There is a lot of buzz that he may officially be named team captain, a role that has been open since the retirement of Jason Varitek.

Pedroia was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 when he became the team’s starting second baseman. He earned the Most Valuable Player award the following season. A four-time All Star, Pedroia has earned a reputation of being the player that is first to arrive at the ballpark ever day and who gives 100 percent in every game.

He is currently batting.308 with six home runs and 57 RBI. Pedroia turns 30 next month, meaning that he will be 38 in the final year of the extension. Given Pedroia’s workout regimen, the long-term deal may pose less of a risk for the Red Sox than for other stars in the latter part of their careers.

Pedroia is considered the heart and soul of the Red Sox which in part explains why the team wanted to lock him up for the long term. According to the Boston Globe, “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 potentially sets a new standard for that position.”

With eight years in the big leagues, the right-handed second baseman is a career.303 hitter with 96 home runs and 466 RBI.

Although baseball skills tend to diminish over time, and some teams have obviously been burned by long-term player contracts, do you think it was a wise business decision for the Red Sox to sign Dustin Pedroia for seven years?