Padres Commit to Jedd Gyorko With A 5-Year Extension
The San Diego Padres have signed 2nd baseman Jedd Gyorko to a 5-year extension with an option for a possible 6th season. The deal is worth $35 million and includes a $13 million club option. The Morgantown, West Virginia native had a breakout year last season when he hit for 26 doubles, 23 home runs, 63 runs batted in and 62 runs scored. His rookie season went very well and the organization felt it was time to commit early to Gyorko. “I want to be a Padre” said Gyorko after he signed his deal.
The Padres are all in for Jedd Gyorko moving forward “it’s a big commitment, but I think Jedd is worth it” said Padres general manager Josh Byrnes. Gyroko came up through the minor leagues as a 3rd baseman and may just find himself back their next season if Chase Headley leaves the team via free agency at the end of next year. Jedd has already stated that he will play where ever the team puts him.
Jedd hasn’t such a hot start to his 2014 campaign hitting just 160. with 1 home run and 8 runs batted in. It is still early though and Jedd still has plenty of time to start earning ever last penny of his new deal. I think the Padres have locked up a player who has 25-30 home run potential on a consistent basis. Whether or not he stays at 2nd base long-term remains to be seen with Chase Headley’s free agency upon us. Either way I think it was a good move for the Padres to lock him up early while he is cheap because if they wait then the price will be exponentially higher than what they jsut signed him for. The power hitting 2nd baseman and his new contract will keep him in San Diego into his early 30’s.
Anton Joe
Brendan Taylor