Cubs sign Starlin Castro to long deal

All-star shortstop Starlin Castro and the Chicago Cubs have agreed on a seven-year contract, the team said Tuesday. The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native has banged out 486 hits in 410 games since his major league debut with the Cubs in May 2010 -- the most in the National League during the span. Terms of the deal weren't announced, but the Chicago Tribune reported it is worth $60 million, including a $6 million signing bonus. Also part of the deal is a $16 million club option for an eighth season that could be bought out for $1 million, the newspaper said. Castro is hitting .276 with 12 homers, 63 RBI and a .311 on-base percentage this season. He is on a pace to become the 28th player in major league history to amass 500 hits before the age of 23.