The Twins set their sights on Nathan
With their trade of Santana complete, the Twins are turning their sights on locking up their closer, Joe Nathan.
Nathan has expressed that he’d prefer a long-term deal, something in the range of a five year contract. In regards to his contractual wishes, Nathan said, “[The five-year deal]’s not a deal-breaker, but we’re definitely looking for something a little more than three. If we want more years, we’ll probably have to give up a little money per year.”
Nathan is set to become a free agent upon the completion of the 2008 season. Francisco Cordero’s contract with the Reds may have a large impact on what Nathan could expect to get through free agency. Cordero signed for four years with an option for the fifth year earlier this off-season, with the final three years and the option worth $12 million.
There’s no reason not to think that if Nathan hits the open market, he could command a deal similar to that, perhaps looking at a little more than $12 million annually.
Filed under: Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins