Rangers GM Jon Daniels met with Ian Kinsler's agent today to discuss a contract extension for the second baseman, reports T.R. Sullivan.
Kinsler's agent, Jay Franklin, told Sullivan that he is "not very optimistic" that a deal will be struck before the season begins but that the Rangers appear to be serious in their efforts to extend the All-Star second baseman.
The Rangers locked up pitcher Derek Holland for five years and $28 million earlier this week, and have expressed interest in signing all of their "core" players to long-term deals.
Kinsler, 29, received a five-year, $22 million contract from the Rangers in 2008, and the team holds a $10 million option on the second baseman for the 2013 season.
As talks continue it will be interesting to see whether Kinsler's agent eschews towards will ask for something similar to the four-year deal signed by the Angels' Howie Kendrick in January or the much bigger one attained by the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins in December.
In six seasons with the Rangers, Kinsler has hit .275/.355/.469, averaged 21 HRs per year and amassed 46 defensive runs saved above average.
Franklin said that discussions will stop once the regular season begins.
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Ian Kinsler agent Jay Franklin met with Jon Daniels today. Encouraged by #Rangers' plan to lock up core. Not close to deal, though. - Kinsler’s agent meets with Rangers | Postcards From Elysian Fields
Jay Franklin, who represents second baseman Ian Kinsler, met with the Rangers Friday to talk about a contract extension.