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2013 Contract Issues: Minnesota Twins
The Twins are next in MLBTR’s 2013 Contract Issues series:
Eligible For Free Agency (4)
- Carl Pavano - Pavano has already been traded three times in his career and it won't be a surprise if the Twins deal the right-hander for a fourth time this summer. He doesn't strike many hitters out, but he limits walks and makes his starts, so contending teams could have interest.
- Francisco Liriano - Liriano has already lost his status as an elite pitcher and his place in the starting rotation. His spot on the Twins' roster could be next if the club lets him go after the season.
- Ryan Doumit - Doumit, 31, is hitting well enough to set himself up for another Major League deal next offseason. None of the Twins' free agents should expect offseason qualifying offers from the team.
- Jason Marquis - Marquis lost his spot on the Twins' roster when they designated him for assignment earlier today.
Contract Options (2)
- Scott Baker: $9.25MM club option. Baker is out for the season after undergoing elbow surgery and the Twins can be expected to decline this option.
- Matt Capps: $6MM club option with a $250K buyout. The Twins should decline this option if Capps is still on the team when decisions are due. There's also a chance the Twins deal the right-hander to a team seeking midseason relief help.
Arbitration Eligible (5)
- First time: Brian Duensing, Drew Butera, Alex Burnett
- Third time: Jared Burton, Alexi Casilla
The Twins' arbitration class will be relatively light next offseason. Casilla is the lone player here with a shot at a salary of $3MM-plus in 2013. Burnett is on track for super two status, but not by much. He'd lose eligibility if the Twins send him to the minors at some point this year.
2013 Payroll Obligation
The Twins' payroll has risen to the $100MM range in recent years, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. They've already committed $65MM to next year's team, which leaves lots of breathing room if ownership holds payroll steady. But attendance has dropped by 5,000 fans per game so far this year, so GM Terry Ryan could be working with sub-$100MM payroll.
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