I don't think two guaranteed years but definitely one with an option year.

Cruz puts the ball in play, hits for power, hits for average, drives in runs.

 

If I recall, two years ago the competition for a DH was between the Twins and the Rays. Most of us scoffed at the idea that the Rays would attract him over the Twins. This time it might be different.

There is also the ghost of Albert Pujols, although his cliff came at a much earlier age.

But did Pujols take naps?

I don't think two guaranteed years but definitely one with an option year.

A team option? From the player's perspective, that is less favorable than simply a one-year guarantee, unless the buyout is large enough that it's nearly like a two-year guarantee. If he has a great year, he's stuck getting less than he surely would have gotten from a fresh contract the next year on the open market.

 

A player option? From the team's perspective, that is less favorable than simply a two-year guarantee. (Player options don't usually have any kind of penalty for not exercising it.) If he has a terrible year, they are stuck paying him the additional year.

 

An option is something one side gives to the other in exchange for a more favorable guaranteed portion.

 

 

I'd offer the 2nd year as an option that vests if he hits certain thresholds. Make them easy to get, like 25 HR's or 130 games.

 

I think that's the most realistic option, but I don't blame him trying for two first.

 

I imagine a deal similar to his last contract, but with the option having different terms.

A team option? From the player's perspective, that is less favorable than simply a one-year guarantee, unless the buyout is large enough that it's nearly like a two-year guarantee. If he has a great year, he's stuck getting less than he surely would have gotten from a fresh contract the next year on the open market.

 

A player option? From the team's perspective, that is less favorable than simply a two-year guarantee. (Player options don't usually have any kind of penalty for not exercising it.) If he has a terrible year, they are stuck paying him the additional year.

 

An option is something one side gives to the other in exchange for a more favorable guaranteed portion.

 

i guess if we are going to analyze every thing ....i get your point. In general what i mean is a deal similar to the one he signed at first. with more money in the first year and less in the second. I am sure they want to keep him around and it seems like he wants to stay. Possibly even after retirement as a staff member somewhere. I don't see why we are sweating it to be honest. If he wants a 2 year deal give him 2/20 and if he wont take it kuss his ass goodbye. He's a smart guy. He will take it. I dont think it warrants me busting out a proposed twins 2021 payroll spread sheet over it.

I would offer a 

 

Nope. I'd offer a lucrative 1 + option but not two years guaranteed.

I agree...well said.  Maybe 12-14 this upcoming season and a club option in '22 for about 10 with a buyout attached if they choose not to resign in '22.  I could certainly see the Twins giving him 2 years with the production on the field and how it seems from a fans perspective how he works with the younger players.