The Chicago Cubs have locked up their young star shortstop for the foreseeable future as Starlin Castro has agreed to a seven-year, $60 million contract extension, according to ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com.
The 22-year-old's new contract includes a $16 million option in 2020. Castro would have possibly been a "Super Two" player at the end of the year if he made it to salary arbitration. Now, Castro's new contract covers four years of arbitration eligibility and three years of free agency.
The Cubs have to think highly of Castro for them to put this type of investment into a 22-year-old who is still improving. But it looks like Castro will be one of the central players in the Cubs' future.
Castro is currently batting .278 with 12 home runs, 19 steals and 58 RBIs while being third in the majors in runs scored with 58.
For more on the Cubs and Castro, check out Bleed Cubbie Blue. Also visit Baseball Nation for more MLB coverage from around the league.