The Minnesota Twins and All-Star catcher KurtSuzuki agreed on a two-year contract extension Thursday. The new deal will pay Suzuki $6 million in 2015 and 2016, along with a $6 million vesting option for 2017.
Suzuki, 30, is hitting .304/.367/.386 with 41 RBI and 26 runs this season for Minnesota. The Twins chose to give Suzuki an extension instead of moving him before the trade deadline.
The nine-year veteran has been effective in his 89 games for the Twins this year, recording 19 doubles and a .313 batting average with runners in scoring position. Suzuki ranks first in batting average, on-base ercentage and doubles, tied for second in hits and fourth in RBI and walks among AL catchers this year according to MLB.com.
Suzuki is a career .257 hitter with 69 home runs and 400 RBI for Oakland, Washington and Minnesota.
Suzuki made his first All-Star team this year, catching the final three outs from fellow Minnesota Twin Glen Perkins at Target Field according to CBS Sports.