The Los Angeles Angels have had quite a busy offseason. They have added Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to a core that won 86 games in 2011, and are reportedly about to lock up one of those core members for several seasons. Second baseman Howie Kendrick has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Angels pending a physical, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
The deal would cover Kendrick's final year of salary arbitration and three years of free agency. The contract is worth a reported $33.5 million according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Kendrick, 28, made $3.3 million in 2011, and hit .285/.338/.464 with 18 home runs in 140 games. He made his first All-Star team and set career highs in home runs, runs scored (86), stolen bases (14), walks (33), slugging percentage (.464) and OPS (.802). Kendrick likely would have made north of $5 million in arbitration for the 2012 season.
The contract will cover Kendrick's age 28-31 seasons. The Angels' payroll in 2012, including Kendrick, figures to settle in at somewhere near the $150 million mark without any other moves.
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