Joe Mauer’s contract expires next year but the home town superstar is ready to sign a new agreement, according to his grandfather. “If they offer an extension he will sign right away,” Jake Mauer told Sports Headliners on Tuesday.
Mauer is working on a $33 million four year agreement that ends after the 2010 season. The 26-year-old catcher plays one of baseball’s most important positions, has won two American League batting championships and been included in conversations as to who the most valuable player in the major leagues is. Free spending, talent-hungry front offices that operate the Yankees and Red Sox could make Mauer’s next contract among the biggest in baseball history.
“He won’t go,” Jake said. “He will stay in Minnesota, no matter how much money (he’s offered).”
Mauer said his grandson is conservative with money. He’s told his grandfather he has enough money for the rest of his life and has invested some in Minnesota real estate. “He doesn’t even know how much he’s got now,” Jake said.
Mauer played last Friday night for the first time this season, returning from the disabled list because of inflammation in his right sacroiliac joint. He’s told Jake he has no pain from the back now, but probably will take medication for another couple weeks. Because of inactivity that included missing spring training and the first weeks of the regular season, his legs are tired and he has some soreness but that’s expected to go away soon.
Mauer has no interest in changing positions, playing another spot to take strain off his body. He’s told his grandfather if he can’t catch, he “won’t play baseball.”
To repeat as American League batting champion, Mauer must not only have the highest average but as an eligible player needs 502 plate appearances. With only 17 at bats so far, and 134 Twins games remaining, that’s not likely.