Los Angeles Angels, Erick Aybar Close to Extension

The Los Angeles Angels are close to signing shortstop Erick Aybar to a multi-year extension and it could be announced as soon as Thursday, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. Crasnick's report follows rumors over the weekend from Ken Rosenthal in which Jerry Dipoto suggested progress was being made on a deal.

Jon Heyman is reporting the proposed deal is around $35 million for four years, which would mirror the four-year, $33.5 million contract Howie Kendrick signed with the Angels in January:

#LAAngels & aybar talking since spring. heard team had been proposing about $35M for 4 yrs. @jcrasnick says close to deal

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) April 18, 2012

Aybar, 28, is now playing his 7th season in the Majors and has spent his entire career with the Angels. He's a career .274 / .317 / .377 hitter and has produced more than 9 Wins Above Replacement, the bulk of which were earned in 2009 (4.1) and 2011 (4.7).

Aybar would have been a free agent following the 2012 season.