Impressed with his bat off the bench and clubhouse presence, the San Diego Padres have agreed to terms on a contract extension with outfielder Mark Kotsay through the 2013 season, the team announced today in a press release. Padres GM Josh Byrnes made the announcement.
"Mark provides versatility and a very good late-game at-bat," said Byrnes. "He brings invaluable leadership to our club and has become one of the key members of our team."
The 36-year-old Kotsay entered today sporting a triple slash line of .275/.333/.363 in 111 plate appearances over 55 games. The 16 year pro has done well as a pinch-hitter, batting .290/.333/.484 in such situations, but that is in just 33 plate appearances. The Padres value his leadership as much as his bat, and do need veteran players like Kotsay to mentor their extremely young team.
Corey Brock of MLB.com was first to report the deal and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports later reported Kotsay will earn $1.3 million in 2013.