The Red Sox apparently have more on their offseason to-do list than to bring in some new faces with their newfound economic flexibility.
ESPN.com reports that the Sox are expected to begin talks with second baseman Dustin Pedroia about a long-term contract extension this offseason. According to the report, an extension isn’t necessarily imminent — it’s expected to be quite a busy offseason for Ben Cherington and Co. — but talks between both sides are expected to begin at some point this winter.
Pedroia still has two years remaining on his current contract, a six-year, $40.5 million extension he signed following his MVP season in 2008. The 29-year-old is set to make $10 million in both 2013 and 2014, and there is an $11 million club option for 2015.
Pedroia is expected to be one of the cornerstones of the team moving forward, as the Sox look to distant themselves from two disappointing and embarrassing seasons.
The second baseman is looking to bounce back himself after a tumultuous season that featured him attempting to play through more injuries and also saw Pedroia becoming involved with some of the ongoing clubhouse drama.
Through it all, though, he was still able to hit .290 with 15 home runs, 65 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 141 games. The three-time All-Star already has an MVP, Rookie of the Year, two Gold Gloves and a World Series title to his name through six full seasons.
