SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers showed they hold Robinson Chirinos in higher regard than the average backup catcher when they signed him to a contract extension through 2018 on Tuesday with a club option for 2019.
"He is one of the leaders on this team," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He is an underrated player. The leadership, the work ethic, and the standards he set are well-known throughout the clubhouse and the game. He is a guy others look to. He is a leader among a talented group of players that we've put together."
Chirinos had already agreed to a $1.95 million contract for 2017 before his agent, Melvin Roman, and Rangers baseball operations director Matt Vinnola worked on the extension.
The new deal calls for a $2.25 million salary for 2018 and a club option of $2.375 million in 2019 with a $100,000 buyout. The 2019 option could go up based on number of plate appearances over the next two years.
"I remember when I was traded to the Rangers [in 2013] feeling I was coming to the right place," Chirinos said. "Somebody asked me [Monday], 'Do you feel any different coming back from the [World Baseball Classic] to the Texas Rangers?' You never feel different coming home. That's how I feel ... I was coming home. I feel I belong here.
"I feel good I will be here for three more years and hopefully beyond that. This is a big day for me. I'm proud to be a Texas Ranger."
Chirinos was the Rangers Opening Day catcher in each of the last two seasons, but his role changed when Jonathan Lucroy was acquired from the Brewers on July 31. He then became the backup catcher.
"Guys love to play and be on the field and help their team win," Chirinos said. "It was hard to sit on the bench. It took me two or three days, but once I did that, [I] just started working hard, put my team first and got after it. Then it was easy."
Lucroy will be a free agent after the season. Daniels said the Rangers are still interested in re-signing him, but wanted to get something done with Chirinos.
"We are really fortunate to have two championship-caliber catchers," Daniels said. "Things can change; you're always one foul tip away. You talk about needing more than five starting pitchers, you need more than one starting catcher. We feel like we need two championship-caliber catchers."