Jason Kubel’s 2011 Option
The Twins have Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer under team control for 2011, so they could get by without Jason Kubel. But because the team can bring Kubel back for a reasonable $5.25MM option, it seems likely that he'll return to Minneapolis for another season.
Assistant GM Rob Antony expressed interest in bringing Jim Thome back next year, but as the Twins showed this summer, extra outfield depth can make a big difference. Kubel can hit, though his production has dropped off this year after a tremendous 2009 season. Target Field has been tough on many hitters including Kubel, whose .787 OPS sits 120 points lower than his 2009 mark. Still, with 18 homers, the ability to play left or right field and a solid .261/.339/.448 line, Kubel has value.
The Twins will pay the 28-year-old $350K regardless (the cost of his buyout), and $5.25MM is reasonable, especially at a time when the team's most promising outfield prospects, Ben Revere and Aaron Hicks, still need minor league seasoning. Kubel projects to be a Type A free agent, so the Twins could theoretically turn down his option, offer arbitration and obtain picks if Kubel signs elsewhere. That seems unlikely, since Kubel will be affordable and should be productive.
Twins Sign Jason Kubel For Two Years
1-29-09: The Kubel signing is official. The contract details, according to Christensen: "The deal is worth $7.2MM. Kubel will make $2.75MM this year, $4.1MM in 2010, and his 2011 salary would be $5.1MM, with a $350K buyout."
1-27-09: Joe Christensen says Kubel’s two-year deal is for about $7MM, with a 2011 option for $5MM.
1-20-09: According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins signed Jason Kubel to a two-year deal with a third-year option, pending a physical. The deal buys out Kubel’s final two arb years and gives the Twins an option on his first free agent season.
Odds and Ends: Sherrill, Kubel, Teahen
Links for Wednesday…
- T.R. Sullivan examines the Rangers’ interest level in 25 free agents.
- An article about Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus.
- Rany Jazayerli suggests the Jeremy Bonderman contract might have been a model for Zack Greinke‘s deal.
- George Sherrill‘s arbitration hearing is set for February 19th. The Orioles are at $2.2MM while Sherrill requested $3.4MM, putting the midpoint at $2.8MM.
- Jack Marshall discusses the ethics of Scott Boras.
- Barry Bloom looks at the remaining free agent starting pitchers and possible suitors.
- Dave Cameron questions the Twins’ recent Jason Kubel contract.
- Sam Mellinger talks about the Mark Teahen second base experiment.
- Will Clark is set to join the Giants’ front office.
Twins Aim To Sign Kubel For Two Years
According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins hope to sign outfielder-DH Jason Kubel to a two-year deal. Such a contract would cover his last two arbitration years. Kubel, 27 in May, hit .272/.335/.471 in 517 plate appearances in ’08.
Neal says the Twins are just looking to do one year with their other arbitration-eligible player, reliever Matt Guerrier.