In February 2008, Kinsler signed a five-year deal worth $22 million guaranteed. It will jump to $32 million if the Rangers exercise their $10 million option for 2013. He received a raise to $500,000 in 2008, and a $1 million signing bonus. The contract went to $3 million in 2009, $4 million in 2010, $6 million in 2011, and $7 million in 2012. If the Rangers were to choose not to exercise their $10 million option, Kinsler was to receive a $500,000 buyout. If he were traded, both the buyout and the option year were to increase by $500,000. If the option were exercised, the commitment would have been the largest the Rangers have ever made to a player whom they drafted and developed. "Ian represents the past, present, and future of this organization", said assistant general manager Thad Levine.