Padres’ Cameron Maybin Signs Contract Extension: Fan’s Reaction

The San Diego Padres wasted no time locking up one of the most talented young players to a long term contract extension. Soon to turn 25 years old, Cameron Maybin signed an extension to keep him in San Diego through the 2017 season.

If Maybin continues to develop his game on the field, this could be a great deal for San Diego. The extension is a minimum of a five year contract worth $25 million. It also includes a team option for a sixth year that would make the total value $33 million.

Maybin is a very talented young player and is just the kind of player that is important to lock up for the long term. Last season he hit .264 and had nine home runs, 40 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. 2011 was also his first season as a full time player in the major leagues. At such a young age, Maybin still has a ton of potential and could be one of the premier outfielders in the game with his speed. His speed in the outfield makes him even more valuable to the team in a home park like Petco Park.

This move reassures fans that the team is in fact committed to improving the team and putting a winning team on the field. Many Padre fans are stuck seeing their talented players either traded away or leave for other teams when they become free agents. Padre fans have long heard that the team had talented young players that will eventually develop. This move signals that the team is willing to commit to those young players and allow them to develop into quality players.

If Maybin is able to develop into a solid player, this contract would be a steal for San Diego. These are often the kind of deals that ensure the success of a franchise for a long time. This will allow Maybin to relax on the field and not have to worry about playing for a paycheck. Hopefully 2012 will mark a breakthrough year on the field and at the plate for Cameron Maybin.

Kyle Rapoza is a San Diego native and a fan of the San Diego Padres. He's gone through the ups and downs of following a small market team.

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Padres wrap up CF Maybin through 2017

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