Red Sox, Dustin Pedroia discussing contract extension

The Boston Red Sox are currently in talks about a long-term contract extension with second baseman Dustin Pedroia, according to a report from Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. Passan notes that both sides are motivated to get a deal done, and that the "general framework of the contract could call for an annual salary in the $20 million range for a contract lasting five or six years".

WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports that the sides have had ongoing discussions about an extension since the offseason, and Passan notes that talks picked up during last week's All-Star break. The Red Sox made a formal offer to Pedroia over the break, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.

Pedroia, a four-time All-Star and 2008 American League MVP, signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension with the Sox before the 2009 season. That deal included an $11 million club option for 2015, which the team will surely pick up. Even though the 29-year old is under team control for the next two and a half seasons, Boston's urgency in wanting to get a deal done soon signifies their faith and respect for the unofficial team captain.

In 97 games this season, Pedroia has hit .316 with 6 HR and 56 RBI.