Diamondbacks, Montero agree to five-year extension

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Diamondbacks and catcher Miguel Montero have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Arizona Republic has reported the deal to be worth $60 million.

"I couldn't be happier, to be honest. For me it's just a blessing to stay here, hopefully for the rest of my career," said Montero. "My family is happy to be here, we like the city, we like the fans, we like the stadium. It was the only place I wanted to be."

Montero has 21 runs batted in. He is also hitting .255 with two homers in 38 games. However, he's missed four straight games due to a groin injury

The 28-year-old native of Venezuela was an All-Star for the first time in 2011 when he clubbed 18 homers, drove in 84 runs and batted .282. He ranked first among NL catchers in runs batted in, doubles (36), hits (139) and extra-base hits (55). In addition, he threw out 47.7 percent of attempted base stealers.

"Nobody does it better than Miggy. He's still in the prime of his career," said Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers. "If we were to label somebody the captain of our ballclub, this guy would be it. We feel like we've landed one of the best catchers in the game and I couldn't be happier."

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Arizona in 2001, Montero owns a career .270 average with 60 homers, 267 RBI and a .442 slugging percentage in 551 games over parts of seven big league seasons.

"I've had the opportunity to watch him grow as a player and a person," said Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson. "The good thing about Miggy is, he sets a great example for his teammates. Most of all, the energy he brings to the ballpark each and every day. It's unbelievable. He's been an All-Star and I know he wants to be a world champion."