Earlier this week we heard that the Rangers intend to look into contract extensions for their core players, and that process has started with Ian Kinsler. Kinsler told Jeff Wilson of The Star Telegram that his agent, Jay Franklin, has had preliminary talks with the team about a new deal.
"I want to stay here," said Kinsler. "I was drafted by the Rangers, and I want to be a Ranger. You never know how long it's going to take. I think the sooner the better for them, and the sooner the better for me."
Kinsler, 29, hit .255/.355/.477 with 32 homers and 30 steals in 34 chances this season. He also walked 89 times compared to just 71 strikeouts, and UZR says his defense at second has been above-average in recent years. Kinsler has had some injury problems in his career though, spending time on the disabled list in 2010 (ankle sprain, groin strain), 2009 (hamstring strain), 2008 (sports hernia), 2007 (stress fracture in his left foot), and 2006 (dislocated thumb).
There is one year left on the five-year, $22MM deal Kinsler signed before the 2008 season. He will make $7MM in 2012, and the team holds a $10MM club option for his services in 2013. Dan Uggla's five-year, $62MM extension with the Braves could serve as framework for a new contract, as could a new deal between the Reds and Brandon Phillips. Baseball Time In Arlington suggests three years and $17MM annually tacked onto his existing contract.
There is no reason in my eyes to sign kinsler to an extension, until at least the end of next year, after they pick up his option.
The reason would be to show good faith and hopefully lock him up at a bargain for a long time. If he has a great year in 2012 he may decide to opt for free agency after 2013 rather than sign an extension. I’m not saying it’s what the Rangers should do, but that would be the logic if they did it.
They can sign him now to an extencion…5 years 65 mil and that will kick in after his current contract
But will it save the economy? Kinsler one hell of a ball player, but he’s no FDR.
It took me a minute but I see what you did there
This is really good for the Rangers. Kinsler’s an outstanding player who can hit, run and play D at a high level.
If I were Kinsler’s agent I would most certainly point to the Uggla deal and argue that Kinsler is worth way more. He is a 30 HR threat like Uggla, but with speed and good defense to go along with it.
and if i were the rangers, i’d point out that’s he’s only a star in arlington
i like kinsler a lot. anybody who walks more than he strikes out is kinda awesome. but his splits are crazytown
True, but lucky for Kinsler he gets to play half his games there. Contracts are relative, and Kinsler puts up better a WAR than Uggla. That would be my starting point if I were Jay Franklin.
idk about 17 mil annually, more like 13-14
I’m going to disagree with my fellow Rangers fans: I don’t want them to re-sign Kinsler. I’d love for an upgrade to 2B and I have a low opinion of Kinsler. His defense is hit or miss, he’s had more and more injuries and he gets inside his own head when he makes errors. I’d rather see the Rangers maybe shift Andrus from SS to 2B and bring up Profar to play SS after next season.
Coming from the same person who thinks Michael Young should play defense. Your opinion on anything Ranger’s related is void. Kinsler had over 7 WAR last year. You WILL NOT find an upgrade. BTW, what exactly do you look at when you judge players? BA and RBI? Because if you do, then I can somewhat see why you have a low opinion of Kinsler. I love the Rangers to a fault, but don’t be so close-minded about EVERYTHING. It’s fans like you that ruin the game of baseball with terrible analysis.
Kinsler is literally the most underrated player on the Rangers. He’s been the most solid behind MY10 for the past 4 years.
There is almost no way to upgrade from Ian. He is on level or above Utley and Pedroia.
Kinsler is literally the most underrated player on the Rangers. He’s been the most solid behind MY10 for the past 4 years.
There is almost no way to upgrade from Ian. He is on level or above Utley and Pedroia.
Coming from the same person who thinks Michael Young should play defense. Your opinion on anything Ranger’s related is void. Kinsler had over 7 WAR last year. You WILL NOT find an upgrade. BTW, what exactly do you look at when you judge players? BA and RBI? Because if you do, then I can somewhat see why you have a low opinion of Kinsler. I love the Rangers to a fault, but don’t be so close-minded about EVERYTHING. It’s fans like you that ruin the game of baseball with terrible analysis.
What would be an upgrade over a 30/30 guy who walks more than he K’a and has above average defense? I’d really love to know what you come up with. And no, Andrus is not an upgrade over Kinsler.
I think he’s a troll. He never responds to anyone who calls him out on this crap. It’s unbelievable. We should trade Profar, move Andrus to first base, and have Michael Young be the only player on the left side of the infield.
What would be an upgrade over a 30/30 guy who walks more than he K’a and has above average defense? I’d really love to know what you come up with. And no, Andrus is not an upgrade over Kinsler.
You’re nuts. Kinsler is well above average defensively. Highly underrated, in fact. I’d throw some stats your way but I’m on my phone, but just check his double play turn rate for starters. He’s one of the best 2bs in the game.
And he had no injuries in 2011. Do you expect players never to get injured in their career? That’s unrealistic. His injuries are the result of playing hard, not being fragile or having glass hamstrings (ahem… Nelson).
Some people just have an irrational dislike of Ian. Can’t deal with his baggy pants and high socks. Can’t stand the fact that he argues balls and strikes. Whatever
I love Ian and his whole type attitude /play- love love love him.
Me too. He’s got spirit and intensity. I hope he’s a Ranger forever or I’d have to start rooting for his new team.
You’re nuts. Kinsler is well above average defensively. Highly underrated, in fact. I’d throw some stats your way but I’m on my phone, but just check his double play turn rate for starters. He’s one of the best 2bs in the game.
And he had no injuries in 2011. Do you expect players never to get injured in their career? That’s unrealistic. His injuries are the result of playing hard, not being fragile or having glass hamstrings (ahem… Nelson).
Some people just have an irrational dislike of Ian. Can’t deal with his baggy pants and high socks. Can’t stand the fact that he argues balls and strikes. Whatever
Kinsler’s defense is hit or miss???? WHAT?????
He is the 2nd best defensive 2B in the majors behind DP.
Considering that Kinsler is one of the top 3 second baseman in the game, it’s going to be tough to upgrade the position by replacing him. You do realize he had the highest WAR among the Rangers player this year?
Most underrated player on the Rangers. He makes this team click.
Lock him up, worry about what to do with Profar when the time come. Hell, Profar is probably the best “available” prospect in baseball.
From all accounts, Profar isn’t available. I’ve seen it stated multiple times that he isn’t available.
He would be if Felix became available.
Well if Profar is really going to be as good as they say, maybe Texas trades Andrus for King Felix? That would sure help keep Texas from having to get rid of Profar and other top prospects.
Profar will be of more use to the M’s than Andrus. They’ll ask for him more likely.
If Kinsler gets a lucky babip next instead of unlucky (he should be below league average due to his approach, but .243 is ridiculous) while putting up a second consecutive healthy year his price will skyrocket.
Even if he misses a month every year he would still be worth an Uggla extension, lock him up now.
Then work on Naps.
i understand you qualified your statement, but lot of towering fly balls, and a lot of pop ups. All his liners tend to be right down the line, fair/foul, or when he’s going good a streak of a few into right center. don’t disagree with what you say, i just can’t forsee for a big bounceback in that number. he has no trend in that category, its all over the place, but a very low babip in his big power years.
he’s a fantastic player nonetheless, and i think it’d be great to take care of now
Good guy, lock him up and hope he doesn’t miss any significant playing time.
Kinsler is one of the top 2nd basemen in the game, but I wouldn’t expect him to sign a home town discount contract like Longoria did with the Rays.
I’m not really sure why anyone would think that Kinsler would sign a 6 yr/17 mil contract.
Rangers won’t go more than three years at a time
Kinsler is a fantastic player who is easily one of the best 2B in the game. He should earn at least 5/85m. This dude is 29 y/o just put up 7.7WAR. Profar’s possible offensive ceiling is no where near the Kinsler’s. It doesn’t mean Profar ain’t good, just Kinsler is THAT good.
Uggla’s contract is one of bargain contracts. Kinsler is GG defense at 2B, has speed, better wOBA, wRC+. He should get much more than Uggla. This guy has a BABIP of .243 while putting up 7.7 WAR. Can you imagine what kind of production he would have if his BABIP is around .330, which makes sense for speedy players? He may have the best WAR in the game, not named Pujols. With a bit of luck and staying healthy like this year, this guy can be MVP candidate. Rangers better lock him up, DO 5/85. It would be a bargain.