Twins Extend Jared Burton

Jared Burton so impressed the front office that they signed him to an extension this afternoon. Over two years, Burton's contract is worth $5.3 million with a third year option. Arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter, this contract ensures stability for the back end of the Twins' bullpen.

Contract Details

2013: $2.05 million
2014: $3.25 million
2015: $3.6 million ($200 K buyout)

Although Burton will be in his age-32 season in 2013, his lack of a track record and lack of experience as a closer helps keep his contract inexpensive. If he's anywhere close to what he did in 2012 (0.919 WHIP, 2.18 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 62 innings, 55 strikeouts, 15 walks) over the life of this contract, the Twins will get more than what they pay for.

If Burton had been your normal 31-year old reliever with a history of being as effective as he was last season there's no doubt this deal would look different. The trade off here is that the Twins get a great deal on a solid relief pitcher, and a guy who may be a late bloomer gets taken care of.