Joe Mauer is expected to have a new contract with the Twins within a few days, according to his grandfather, Jake Mauer.
The older Mauer told Sports Headliners on Monday that he expects his grandson to sign a 10 year deal “within five days.” The contract is still being negotiated specific to compensation incentives like home runs and slugging percentage that could pay the Twins catcher even more money than his guaranteed salary, Jake said.
Mauer’s grandfather also said Joe knows he can receive more money on the open market after this season but is willing to remain with the Twins. A Gold Glove, batting champion and American League MVP player in 2009, the 26-year-old Mauer might command a $30 million per season contract from a franchise like Boston or New York. A deal with the Twins might guarantee $20 million per season, plus incentives compensation.
Jake said his grandson wants to sign a new contract prior to reporting for spring training next Sunday in Fort Myers. It’s been reported that negotiations between the Twins and Mauer’s agent, Ron Shapiro, have been taking place the last few weeks.
Mauer’s four year deal, paying him a total of $33 million, ends after this season and he would become a free agent if a new deal isn’t in place. It’s believed that if the Twins don’t close a deal with Mauer at least before spring training ends next month it will be an indication that the franchise won’t be able to retain the Minnesota native.
Mauer’s stature as a baseball superstar and immense popularity with Twins fans give he and his representative most of the leverage in negotiations. The Twins’ only leverage is to trade him, but that would implode the franchise’s popularity and likely diminish the team’s prospects for an American League pennant and World Series title.