Rangers lock up SS Andrus with 3-year deal

The Texas Rangers made it official on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration with shortstop Elvis Andrus by signing him to a three-year deal.

No financial terms were disclosed, but MLB.com reported on Tuesday night that the deal is worth $14.5 million.

In 150 games last season for the two-time defending American League champs, Andrus hit .279 with five home runs, 60 runs batted in, 96 runs scored and 37 stolen bases.

Andrus has played three seasons in the major leagues -- all with the Rangers -- and is a career .271 hitter with 14 triples, 11 home runs and 135 RBI.

"I keep learning every day. I'm still learning so many things, especially with the mental part of the game," Andrus said on a conference call from Dallas. "And I think ... my best years are coming."

In 33 postseason appearances, Andrus has batted .265 with four doubles, five RBI, nine stolen bases and 12 walks.

The deal solidifies Andrus' spot atop one of the most potent lineups in baseball, and makes the native Venezuelan a mainstay in front of power hitters Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz for the foreseeable future.

"Elvis represents everything we want the Texas Rangers to be. He's a young upside player with a ton of energy and a ton of ability," assistant general manager Thad Levine said. "He's the engine for our whole team. He sets the table for the big boppers in the middle of our lineup."

Andrus, 23, said he wanted to sign the three-year deal rather than go year-to- year in arbitration for the security of his family. He said he would join a number of his teammates in showing up early for spring training for the third straight year.

"We really put our goals really high," said Andrus, who said he will report on February 17th. "At this point, we know what we're capable of doing as a team."