A’s Suzuki Signs Four-Year Deal

The Oakland A’s made a move that will certainly ensure a bright future, as they came to terms with catcher Kurt Suzuki to a four-year deal. The contract signs Suzuki, 26, through his arbitration years, and also includes an option for 2014—the year he becomes eligible for free agency. The A’s back-stop has been an integral part of the team’s continued success on the mound, as he’s helped handle a relatively young rotation that includes Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Vin Mazzaro.

Last season, Suzuki belted 15 homers and drove in a team-leading 88 runs. This season, Suzuki is batting .257/.316/.408 with 10 homers and 37 RBIs. Suzuki, who is valuable not just on offense, has become one of the better defensive catchers in the game. This season, the A’s pitching staff ranks 6th in all of baseball with a 3.78 ERA—Suzuki’s handling of a young rotation is one of the reasons why the A’s are playing better baseball compared to last season.

*The deal is worth a reported $16.25 million. It could vary, however, depending on the option/etc. So, potentially the deal could be worth anywhere between $25-26 million.