Glen Perkins signs extension with Twins

Left-handed reliever Glen Perkins and the Minnesota Twins have agreed upon a four-year, $22.175 million contract extension. The deal, which includes an option for the 2018 season, will overwrite the contract Perkins signed in 2012. He agreed to a three-year, $10.3 million contract with an option for 2016 at the time.

Perkins was one of the best closers in the American League in 2013, converting 36 saves in his 40 opportunities. The St. Paul, Minnesota native was picked in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2004 First Year Player Draft by the Minnesota Twins. Out of the University of Minnesota, Perkins went 9-3 with a 2.83 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 2004.

The 31-year-old Perkins went 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA and a 5.13 K/BB ratio in 61 games in 2013. He was an All Star for the first time in his career in 2013 (177 ERA+). Since becoming a reliever full time in 2011, Perkins has gone 9-5 with a 2.45 ERA and a 4.23 K/BB ratio (166 ERA+). Before converting into a reliever, Perkins posted a 5.05 ERA and a 84 ERA+.

Perkins and the Minnesota Twins look to rebound after a tough season in 2013 in which they finished last in the American League Central division. The Twins have done a good job this off season, signing pitchers Phil Hughes, Ricky Nolasco, and Mike Pelfrey, and catcher Kurt Suzuki. Retaining Glen Perkins is just "another piece to the puzzle" for them. 

---