Talk about a forward-thinking mentality. The Minnesota Twins on Wednesday signed veteran starting pitcher Michael Pineda to a two-year, $10 million contract.
Official: #MNTwins sign RHP Michael Pineda to two-year contract.
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 13, 2017
Pineda will reportedly earn $2 million for the 2018 season and another $8 million in 2019. But there’s one minor thing to focus on here. The 28-year-old starter, formerly of the New York Yankees, underwent Tommy John Surgery in July. He’ll miss most, if not all, of the 2018 season.
Fresh off a surprising playoff appearance, Minnesota is using its limited financial assets to look further to the future. Even if Pineda misses this entire upcoming season, paying him $10 million for the 2019 campaign could be seen as a bargain.
An injury-plagued figure throughout his career, Pineda has pitched well when healthy. Last season saw him post an 8-4 record with a 4.39 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning. When on, he’s capable of being a solid No. 2 in a good rotation.
Some will question the Twins’ reasoning behind this. Why not use the money on someone who will contribute immediately? But as a small-market team, moves of this ilk are needed to remain in contention.