Cameron Maybin Signs 5-Year Deal with San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres made a move for the future of the franchise, locking up one of their best young players.

According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the Padres and center fielder Cameron Maybin agreed to a five-year contract extension.

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Front office source confirms Cameron Maybin's deal is for 5 years w/ an option for 6th. Ties up first 2 years of free agency. #Padres

— Dan Hayes (@NCTPadres) March 3, 2012"

Hayes also shared some of the contract's details.

"

Source: Cameron Maybin's deal is for $23-25 million with option on $7-8 million range. #Padres

— Dan Hayes (@NCTPadres) March 3, 2012"

Scott Miller of CBS Sports reported that the deal is worth exactly $25 million.

What Does It Mean?

This is a very good thing for the Padres, for a few reasons. Their park is extremely difficult to hit in, so it is a positive sign that they locked up one of their better youngsters for two years after his rookie contract ends. 

Realistically, Maybin is the perfect player to play at PETCO Park. He is not particularly dangerous as a power hitter, although home runs are a possibility. At his best, Maybin is a gap-to-gap hitter, which is what works well there. 

With the size of that infield and his speed, Maybin is the kind of player to take an extra base every time he's on base. On top of that, his speed translates well to the defensive side of the ball, which is great for closing out gaps, limiting the other team's scoring. For a team that will win with pitching, that is an extremely valuable player.

Locking Maybin up doesn't guarantee a World Series, but it does give San Diego a nice cornerstone player whose style of play meshes well with the team.

What's Next?

For Maybin and the Padres, not much. We just sit back and watch spring training, hoping for the season to begin. 

If you're a Padres fan, then I imagine this gives you some hope that some of the team's other young talent will also be locked up long term. At this point, there isn't much more to do other than to wait for that to happen. 

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