Joe Mauer’s extraordinary hitting production so far this season has changed speculation as to how much money the Twins’ all-world catcher can command for his next contract. Mauer’s deal with the Twins goes through 2010 and his next contract could be for 10 years and $200 million (or more).
A source who has known Mauer for years told Sports Headliners last month that he thought the Yankees would offer $180 million in 2010, the Red Sox $160 million. Both offers would be for eight years.
But now speculation is that Mauer’s next contract could be for $200 million. The 26-year-old has shown new power hitting this spring while maintaining a high average. His stats for 28 games and 99 at bats include 11 home runs and a .414 average. Mauer came into this season averaging one home run every 46.7 at bats. This season those numbers are one home run per nine at bats.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Mauer is maturing physically, coming into his best years. He has more knowledge than ever about how to hit and also catch where he deserves high marks, too, for his all-around ability including how he handles pitchers. The Yankees and Red Sox have old catchers in Jorge Posada and Jason Veritek, both 37. Those franchises have large budgets and could surround Mauer with the right teammates to help him earn a World Series championship.
Boston might be of particular appeal to Mauer since it’s more like Minnesota than New York. The source said Mauer, who hits balls to all fields, but often to left, could “tattoo” the ball off the famed Fenway Park Green Monster in left field. Hitting in cozy Fenway, particularly to the short left field fence, might elevate the two time batting champion’s average even more than in Minnesota and perhaps produce a .400 season.
The source said Mauer, though, doesn’t want to leave his home state. If the Twins offer a competitive eight to 10 year contract he will stay, the source predicts.