The Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed on a 4 year extension with first baseman Kevin Youkilis, avoiding arbitration with the slugger for the second straight year. And, just like last year when Youkilis went from $350,00 to a salary of $3,000,00 he's in for a big raise. The deal is worth $41 million and includes a club option for a 5th year at $13 million.
The 29 year old slugger had the best year of his career last year, batting .321 wih 29 home runs, 115 RBI, and a 3rd place finish in the AL MVP voting to top it off.
By re-upping "Youk" to a multi-year deal the Red Sox, who have not gone to an arbitation hearing with any player since Theo Epstein has been GM, receive cost certaintity with the deal, rather than rolling the dice with an arbitration ruling. This could be especially important as Boston tries to come to terms with stand-out closer Jonathan Papelbon who is arbitration eligible and in line for a huge pay day.
