Danny Knobler of CBS Sports passes along word that the Blue Jays have agreed to terms on a two-year, $10 million contract extension with shortstop Yunel Escobar. The new deal also carries $5 million club options for 2014 and 2015.
Escobar was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career this past winter and scored $2.9 million in salary for 2011. The new contract will buy out his remaining arbitration seasons and potentially his first two years of free agency, all at a reasonable price.
Escobar, a 28-year-old native of Cuba, has posted a cool .281/.359/.431 batting line with eight homers and 26 RBI in 66 games this season. He also has a strong defensive reputation at the shortstop position.
The Jays acquired Escobar last summer in a five-player trade with the Braves involving Alex Gonzalez.
