Twins sign Mike Pelfrey

Apr 09, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (34) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has reported the Twins and Mike Pelfrey have agreed to terms on a one year contract. Pelfrey, who is coming off tommy john surgery, was non-tendered by the Mets on November 30.

Pelfrey, who spent 7 seasons with New York, will get $4M guaranteed, and up to $1.5M in performance incentives.

In his last full season before his injury, Pelfrey went 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA and 193 innings pitched.

Pelfrey, who will be 29 next month, still has some upside and fits exactly what the Twins are trying to do: sign veteran pitchers to a one year deal as they look to hone top prospects such as Alex Meyer and Trevor May for the future.

Heyman also notes the Twins are still looking to add another starter. I’m not sure how entirely accurate that is, as the Twins may give Kyle Gibson and Nick Blackburn a chance to battle it out for the 5th slot this spring.

UPDATE:

Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 says the Twins are indeed looking for another starter, maybe even two more.

If the Twins are in fact looking for one or two more starters, It will be interesting to see who will fill the final rotation spot behind Scott Diamond, Vance Worley, Mike Pelfrey and Kevin Correia. The Twins will be in attendance for a Brandon Webb workout next month, and have also been recently rumored to have interest Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello (Don’t count on that one, though). Options such as Joe Saunders, Brett Myers and Jair Jurrjens may also end up falling in the Twins price range.