Joe Mauer’s agent, Ron Shapiro, flew into Fort Myers earlier this week to meet with Twins general manager Billy Smith, according to Mauer’s grandfather. Jake Mauer told Sports Headliners he expects agreement soon on a new deal for the Twins superstar.
The older Mauer said the Twins want to sign the All-Star catcher to a five year contract. Previous reports have been that the Twins and Mauer had agreed on 10 years but that financial incentives were holding up completion of the contract. Jake Mauer said he didn’t know all the details of what issues are yet to be resolved.
A five year deal, perhaps at $20 to $25 million per season, plus possible incentives for achievements like batting titles and Gold Glove awards, carries much less financial risk for the Twins who as a small market franchise find it considerably more challenging to pay the staggering salaries baseball’s superstars can earn. It’s believed that the Boston Red Sox covet Mauer and would be willing to offer money and guaranteed years far greater than the Twins.
Mauer’s four year contract for $33 million expires after this season when he will become a free agent. He will be 27 on May 7 and presumably the three-time American League batting champion still has his prime years ahead of him. Baseball’s richest contracts include Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees who reportedly has a 10 year contract worth $275 million.
Mauer’s career injuries include last year when a bad back had him walking around spring training looking like an old man. He wasn’t able to play for the Twins until early May. The injuries and the punishment any catcher takes in playing the position could be reasons the Twins want a five year deal. Also, even with a new ballpark the franchise can’t be certain about long term revenues and having an expensive player payroll.
Meanwhile, Jake Mauer has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will have surgery today in Florida. Jake said a tumor will be removed and that doctors are optimistic the cancer can be contained. He will be hospitalized for about five days.