The Twins do not have any 2010 options. They do, however, have to start thinking about their course of action for Joe Mauer. 2010 is the last year of Mauer's deal; he'll earn $12.5MM. From Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe on March 8th:
While the Minnesota native would like to stay in the Twin Cities, he is expected to receive offers in the $20 million- to $25 million-per-year range. The [Red] Sox are expected to be front and center if Mauer is available.
It had been suggested by Charley Walters on March 6th that the Twins had scheduled a meeting with Mauer's agent, presumably to discuss an extension. Walters had written in December that the Red Sox were "already salivating over Mauer."
Mauer had surgery to remove a kidney obstruction in January, and was initially expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. However, discomfort lingered into March and he was diagnosed with inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Mauer returned to action on May 1st, smacking a home run off Sidney Ponson. Mauer has also dealt with hamstring and knee issues in the past. He'll turn 28 in April of 2011 when he begins his next contract.
