Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler recently put an opening-day deadline on contract talks, and, on cue, negotiations are intensifying. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that Texas and Kinsler are discussing a six-year contract extension that would go into effect after the 2012 season. The sticking point, as you might guess, is over money. Kinsler, if he signs an extension, will certainly top Dan Uggla's $12.4 milllion per, but the question is to what extent Kinsler will exceed that figure. Rosenthal notes that the Yankees' Robinson Cano, who will make $14 million this season and has a $15-million option in his contract for 2013, might be Kinsler's target. In Kinsler's favor is the recent salary escalation enjoyed by core players within spitting distance of free agency.
While there's risk in going six years with a pivot man who has a history lower-extremity injuries, there's no denying Kinsler's excellence. He's a productive hitter, especially by middle-infield standards, and he's one of the top defensive second basemen in the game today.
A six-year pact may well extend beyond Kinsler's ability to remain at his current position, but the Rangers should receive an excess of value at the front end. These days, that's what you must do to lock up a star player.
