His rankings would be based on the best he did for the past two seasons. 2008 I didn't check, but can't imagine he did any better than 2009. So if you were to extend him now, his contract would be based on his best annual performance among catchers over the past two seasons. 2009 being his best ranking, where he placed 5th. If you wait until the next off-season to sign him, it would be between the 2009 and 2010 season. If you did it during the season, it would be between his ranking during the 2010 season, or the 2009 season, whichever is better. So the lowest he would rank is 5th best catcher. He could place higher in the coming season, therefore costing you more money to extend him. Long story short, it will cost you no less than the cost of the 5th best catcher to sign him.