Indians' Santana signs five-year deal
Carlos Santana parlayed a breakout first full season in the major leagues into a five-year, $21-million deal with the Cleveland Indians.
The catcher signed the multimillion contract Tuesday, keeping him with the team through the 2016 season. The deal includes a club option for 2017.
Assuming the Indians pick up that option, Santana would forgo one year of potential free agency.
"Excited to get a multiyear deal done with Carlos that could keep him here through 2017," team president Mark Shapiro wrote, via Twitter. "He's an exciting middle-of-the-diamond run producer that we can build around."
Santana, 26, was one of only four major leaguers to have at least 25 homers, 35 doubles and 90 walks. He also set the club record for homers by a switch-hitter, with 27.
