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The Cleveland Indians and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera have agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million extension today, according to FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi. The deal is pending a physical.
We heard in late February the Indians were trying to sign Cabrera to a multi-year deal after the two sides worked out a one-year deal worth $4.55 million, thus successfully avoiding salary arbitration. By agreeing to a multi-year deal, the Indians buy out one of Cabrera's free agency years and his final arbitration year.
The 26-year-old shortstop had a breakout year in 2011, hitting .273/.332/.460 with 25 home runs in 667 plate appearances and was awarded with an All-Star selection and Silver Slugger award. It was his best season offensively, largely due to a huge power boost.
Cabrera could be a 20/20 player, which is hard to come by now at the shortstop position. However, he still will need to improve his game, specifically defensively where he is rated as a poor defender.