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PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks made a market-wise and proactive move Friday by agreeing to terms with Miguel Montero on a five-year, $60 million contract extension, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Montero would have been the prize catcher on the free-agent market this winter, and big-market teams such as the Dodgers, Red Sox and the Mets are among those who could be in the market for a top-tier upgrade.
The Dodgers, especially, appear poised to reclaim their big-spender status after the recent sale of the team to a group that includes Magic Johnson.
Montero's deal is the largest in franchise history and fourth-largest given to a catcher in major league history in average annual value, ranking behind Minnesota's Joe Mauer ($23 million a year), St. Louis' Yadier Molina ($15 million) and former players Mike Piazza and Jorge Posada (both $13 million).
Montero agreed to a one-year, $5.9 million contract in early February to avoid a final year of salary arbitration. He declined comment after Friday's 7-1 loss to Milwaukee, saying he had not talked to his agent first.
“It's going to be good for us," right fielder Justin Upton said.
The D-backs will officially announce the deal Saturday, the source said.
The sides have been negotiating for about two years, a source with knowledge of the process said, with Montero declining a four-year, $32 million offer in the offseason before the terms “creeped up.” Talks stalled, at least publicly, when the Cardinals signed Molina to a five-year, $75 million deal two days into spring training.
The D-backs now have about $55 million in salary commitments for 2013, the bulk going to Trevor Cahill ($5.5 million), Aaron Hill ($5.5 million), Justin Kubel ($7.5 million), Upton ($9.75 million), Chris Young ($8.5 million) and Montero, whose specific terms have not been announced.
They also have a $10 million option on Stephen Drew and a $6.5 million option on J.J. Putz, with a $1.35 million buyout on Drew and a $1.25 million buyout on Putz. It seems likely the D-backs will decline Drew’s option, and they could also decline Putz’s if they feel David Hernandez or Bryan Shaw could step into the closer’s role.
The D-backs’ payroll is about $75 million this year, and it will probably remain about the same moving forward.
With the commitment to Montero, the D-backs could opt to go through the arbitration process with right-handed starter Ian Kennedy rather than sign him to a long-term deal, as general manager Kevin Towers said was an option this spring. Kennedy will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter.
Towers mentioned Daniel Hudson as another possible extension candidate this spring, but he isn't eligible for arbitration until after 2013, so the D-backs also could put that on the backburner.
Montero, 28, was one of the most productive NL catchers from 2009-11, ranking first in doubles, second in batting average, slugging percentage and extra-base hits and tied for second in RBI. He was third in both home runs and hits.
He is hitting .255 with two homers and 21 RBIs this season, but he has missed the last three games with a left groin strain suffered in the sixth inning of Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He’s not ready to go and catch a game at this point,” manager Kirk Gibson said before the game, adding that it's possible Montero could return this weekend. The D-backs must make a roster move by Sunday, when Hudson will be activated to start the finale of a three-game series against the Brewers.
“We’re kind of playing it smart,” Montero said. "It’s not a rush to throw me out there. I understand the point."
