The Indians have signed All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis to a six-year, $52.5-million US contract extension hours before playing their home opener against Minnesota.

Kipnis is the latest core player to be locked up by the Indians, who reached deals with outfielder Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes during spring training.

The sides had been negotiating for months. The contract runs through the 2019 season with a club option for 2020.

The 27-year-old Kipnis developed into one of the AL's rising stars last season, batting .284 with 17 homers and 84 RBIs in 149 games. He also stole 30 bases and scored 86 runs. He led the Indians in runs, hits, RBIs and steals.

The Indians drafted Kipnis in the second round in 2009.