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Rangers, Ian Kinsler Agree to Five-Year Extension

March 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) jokes around before a game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE
March 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) jokes around before a game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

The Texas Rangers and Ian Kinsler have agreed to a five-year, $75 million extension, reports T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

The contract, which keeps Kinsler with the Rangers at least through 2017, will take effect at the beginning of the 2013 season and includes a $10 million option for a sixth year that could vest to $12 million. The sixth year buyout price is $5 million.

Kinsler had set an Opening Day deadline for his personal involvement in extension discussions but his agent, Jay Daniels, continued talks with the Rangers over the weekend and the two sides came to an agreement.

With the extension the 29-year-old Kinsler becomes the highest-paid second baseman in baseball on a AAV basis, eclipsing Dan Uggla's five-year, $62.5 million deal by a fair margin.

A two-time All-Star and twice a member of the 30-30 club, Kinsler has hit .275/.355/.469 in six seasons with the Rangers.

Finalization of the contract is still pending a physical, which Kinsler will undergo today, followed by an official announcement some time tomorrow, Wednesday.