Twins Jared Burton Becomes Free Agent
Today, the Minnesota Twins announced that they’ve decline the club option for 2015 on relief pitcher Jared Burton. Burton, who was a former setup man for All-Star closer Glen Perkins, was removed from the role after struggling mightily in 2014. He will be replaced by a cheaper option, and one that hopefully gives Minnesota more quality outings.
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At 33 years old, Burton had given the Twins enough to hang around through a tough season last year, and will look for another opportunity somewhere else.
Tyler Mason of Fox Sports North, along with others, reported the news on Twitter:
#MNTwins announce they've declined the club option on reliever Jared Burton. He's now a free agent.
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) October 22, 2014
Burton's club option for the 2015 season was for $3.6 million. He made $3.25 million this season. #MNTwins
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) October 22, 2014
After breaking into the majors with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007, Burton came to the Twins in 2012. In his first season, he pitched in 64 games posting a 2.18 ERA and striking out 55 across 62 innings. It would go downhill from there however. in 2013, Burton would pitch to a 3.82 ERA in 66 innings, and in 2014 he posted a 4.36 ERA across 64 frames.
The move saves the Twins over $3 million for a pitcher that didn’t have much use left for them. The club option in Burton’s contract came into play at a perfect time, and was utilized in a smart decision by the Twins from office.
Burton likely will have to settle for a spring training invite type of contract. Having come off of two seasons in which he has declined, he will need to prove to another major league team, that he has the ability to bolster the back of their bullpen.
For the Twins, Nick Burdi and a slew of other young and talented arms are on the way. Look for Minnesota to give some other arms a shot to prove they belong out of spring training.