Miami Marlins close to signing Christian Yelich to 7-year, $40 million extension

Although it was not atop their list of priorities, the Miami Marlins made it a goal to lock up some members of their young core heading into spring training. Giancarlo Stanton was extended in November, and another outfielder may be close to receiving a long term deal.  According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, the Marlins are close to signing Christian Yelich to a 7-year extension that could be worth more than $40 million.

The #Marlins are close signing Christian Yelich to a 7-yr deal worth more than $40 million total

— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) March 18, 2015

Yelich, 23, won a Gold Glove in left field last season and is seen as a potential two or three hitter. In 144 games with the Marlins last season, Yelich posted a .284/.362/.402 batting line to complement nine home runs and 54 RBIs.

President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill called extension talks with younger players "exploratory and ongoing" in December, and the Marlins may try extending Ozuna and Fernandez again before the season begins.

Yelich made his big league debut in 2013, appearing in 62 games for the Marlins.

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