Coco Crisp signs extension with Athletics

The Oakland Athletics and outfielder Coco Crisp have agreed to a two-year, $22.75 million contract extension, with an option for a third season, according to media reports. The deal will keep Crisp in an Athletics' uniform at least through the 2016 season.

Crisp, 34, hit .261/.335/.444 with 22 home runs and 66 RBI (119 OPS+) in 131 games with the A's in 2013. He added 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts as well. The past three years with the Athletics have been very good to Crisp; he has a .262/.325/.413 triple-slash line, while also averaging 14 home runs and 55 RBI per season (105 OPS+). Prior to the last three seasons, Crisp was a different player; posting a .277/.332/.410 triple-slash line, while only averaging 7 home runs and 41 RBI per season (95 OPS+).

Another place where Crisp adds value is in the outfield. His defense is something that really adds to his game. In 2013, the Los Angeles, California native posted a mark of 6 defensive runs saved above average. If that's not all, the outfielder made 67 plays that were considered "out of his zone." Although his arm is a liability (-5.4 arm runs above average in 2013), Crisp is a good defender overall (career 63.4 UZR). 

The Athletics look to have another good season from Crisp, but it is hard to know how he'll produce one year older, and one year further from his prime. Breakout seasons past age 30 can sometimes be flukes, but Crisp has added consistent value in his defense and speed, something that should yet again be present in 2014.