Twins Agree to Terms with Five Players, Non-Tender Rosario, Wisler

[Seth Stohs]

As expected, the Twins non-tendered outfielder Eddie Rosario at the deadline on Tuesday night. More surprising, they also did not tender a 2021 contract to right-handed pitcher Matt Wisler. They did announce the signings of five arbitration-eligible players.With the news on Monday night from Ken Rosenthal that the Twins had placed on Eddie Rosario on outright waivers, we knew what would happen on Tuesday. He cleared waivers at 1 pm meaning other teams passed on him at his potential arbitration salary. At that point, the Twins officially non-tendered him.

 

The surprise decision on this night was non-tendering Matt Wisler. The Twins claimed Wisler off waivers a year ago and agreed to an arbitration deal with him. He responded with a breakout season. The 28-year-old posted a 1.07 ERA and 12.4 K/9 over 25 1/3 innings. He threw a ton of sliders and became reliable in any role the Twins gave him from low-leverage, to Opener, to closer.

 

The decision is interesting because Wisler likely would have been in line for a raise to somewhere between $1.4 and $1.8 million. Not a huge number. And the Twins have lost Tyler Clippard, Sergio Romo and now officially Trevor May to free agency this offseason. While they have claimed Ian Gibaut and Brandon Waddell, and they signed Derek Law to a minor league contract, Wisler on a reasonable salary certainly would not have been a stretch.

 

The Twins will not go to arbitration with any players this offseason, however, as they agreed to terms with each of their other arbitration-eligible players.

 

Caleb Thielbar signed early in the day for $650,000.

 

Mitch Garver, in his first year of arbitration, agreed to a $1.875 million deal.

Arbitration Salary Estimates: Twins Daily: $2M | MLBTR: $1.9M

 

Tyler Duffey was eligible for a second time, and he will earn $2.2 million in 2021.

Arbitration Salary Estimates: TD: $2.5M | MLBTR: $2.6M

 

Byron Buxton agreed to a deal at $5.125 million in his third of four arbitration seasons.

Arbitration Salary Estimates: TD: $6M | MLBTR: $5.9M

 

Jose Berrios got $6.1 million which included a $500,000 signing bonus

Arbitration Salary Estimates: TD: $7.5M | MLBTR: $7.5M

 

 

Finally, the Twins have reportedly agreed to terms with Taylor Rogers, though the terms of the contract have not yet been released.

Arbitration Salary Estimates: TD: $7M | MLBTR: $6.9M

 

We wondered aloud on Offseason Live if that might mean that the two sides have agreed to a multi-year contract? Nope.

 

 

For an hour worth of much, much deeper analysis on these arbitration/tender deadline decisions, watch the below episode of Offseason Live!

 

 

Click here to view the article

[terrydactyls]

Most guys signed for less than expected. Look for a push for Trevor Bauer.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Most guys signed for less than expected. Look for a push for Trevor Bauer.

 

Yes, but also I don't think anyone knew what to expect. Do you project based on actually number of games played in 2020, or extrapolate to 162 games, or some combination? 

[JumpToTheMoon605]

"And the Twins have lost Tyler Clippard, Sergio Romo and now officially Trevor May to free agency this offseason."

Clippard and Romo have not yet signed elsewhere, right?

[Danchat]

 

"And the Twins have lost Tyler Clippard, Sergio Romo and now officially Trevor May to free agency this offseason."

Clippard and Romo have not yet signed elsewhere, right?

They haven't. I would think they'd try to get Clippard back, not sure if they want Romo after declining his option. But then again, I thought they'd want Wisler back too. Still scratching my head over that one.

[Doctor Gast]

 

They haven't. I would think they'd try to get Clippard back, not sure if they want Romo after declining his option. But then again, I thought they'd want Wisler back too. Still scratching my head over that one.

I`m scratching my head over that one too. Also why they went after         Ian Gibaut and Brandon Waddell, and they signed Derek Law. But they must know what they are doing. The  players who agreed to terms did so w/o any problems. Let`s see what they got up their sleeves. There must be a lot of options they have seen out there to let Wisler go.

[mikelink45]

Thanks for the update.  Now let's see the additions!

[rdehring]

A very sad day for this ole fan as Rosario was one of, if not my most favorite Twin of all time. I guess there is still a chance he is back, but there's also a chance I could win the mega lottery.

 

Also surprised they didn't offer a contract to Wisler. Gotta believe they think his stuff was suited to being a one year wonder? Hopefully, they will sign some top reliever and a top #3 starter...soon!

 

Any more prospect interviews coming soon, Seth? Really liked what you have done so far. Maybe wait until after the Rule 5 then have one with Griffin Jax.

 

 

[Seth Stohs]

Update: 

 

 

[Shaitan]

It's curious that each player signed for less than predicted. But I take it as a good sign that they all signed so fast.

[Thebigalguy]

Dumb not to tender Wisler. Otherwise, I can't disagree with not tendering Eddie R. If his ego can take it and he doesn't get a whammo offer elsewhere, he might be back for a year. Can't see 29 teams passing on Wisler. Nobody can know what the season holds in store until vaccinations get us to herd immunity, and that might not be until September. Agents aren't pushing the limits this year. It would be dumb to do so. I'm hopeful 2021 will be a good one for all of us after the pandemic, but too many questions and timelines to make deals set in stone easy to make.