Twins, Brian Dozier working on extension

Brian Dozier is under team control through 2018, but that isn't stopping the Twins from working with him on a long-term contract. Dozier is already under contract for 2015, but with arbitration on the horizon in 2016, 2017, and 2018, both sides could be looking for some stability.

From Mike Berardino's report:

There were strong indications Tuesday that the Twins and Damon Lapa, Dozier’s agent, were making solid progress. If the deal isn’t done, it’s at least close, according to a person who had been briefed on the talks.

Dozier declined comment but reiterated how happy he is playing for the Twins and how he would be open to a multiyear deal.

MLB Trade Rumors lists Jason Kipnis and Matt Carpenter as "potentially relevant comparables." Kipnis signed with Cleveland in April of 2014 for six years and $52.5 million; Carpenter signed nearly a year ago with St. Louis on a six-year, $52 million deal. A similar offer for Dozier would buy out his four years of team control as well as his first two seasons of free agency, and would keep him in Minnesota through his age-33 season in 2020.

We'll follow up with more when it becomes available.