The Los Angeles Dodgers and Andre Ethier have agreed to a five-year, $85 million deal.
Ethier would have been a free agent at the end of the season, but the team could not wait until then. They have equipt their club with two of the most talented outfielders in the Majors.
Ethier leads the National League with 53 RBI. He plays rightfield next to star, Matt Kemp, who, when healthy, is probably the best player in Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers ownership change is already paying dividends. With Frank McCourt out and new management, featuring Stan Kasten and Magic Johnson, the Dodgers have made their first move after rescuing the organization.
They avoided having Ethier test the free agent market, a mistake already committed by the St. Louis Cardinals as Albert Pujols walked way to the money the Los Angeles Angels were willing to invest.
The five year contract is perfect since Ethier turned 30 in early April. They did not get overzealous and offer a contract that would commit them to a long period of time.
For the next few years the Dodgers will have a powerful middle of the lineup, to get runs for their young pitchers.
So far in the season, Ethier is hitting .287 and has 10 homeruns to accompany his RBI total and is already one homer away from tying his total of 2011.
If Ethier performs well through his five years, he has an option for a sixth year worth $17.5 that would go into effect in 2018.
The Dodgers are currently in first place in the NL West as they enjoy a 4.5 game lead over the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers ownership is proving that they are willing to win and not afraid to reward their players for great performances.
