Mauer and his agent have nearly all the leverage in the contract negotiations. A baseball source told Sports Headliners this is a classic send the player a blank check situation. The Twins could threaten to trade Mauer if negotiations aren’t to their liking but that leverage is a risky position to take given Mauer’s immense talent and popularity.
Along with Albert Pujols of St. Louis, Mauer is probably the most valuable player in baseball. He’s won three batting titles, one American League MVP award, two Gold Glove awards, and he plays the most important leadership position on the team, catcher. He’s also a Minnesota native and on track to become the most popular athlete in state history.
An alternative for Mauer and Shapiro could be to ask for a short term deal like five or six years. That strategy would put Mauer back into free agency while still in his prime and able to negotiate an even richer deal. (Mauer currently has a four year contract worth $33 million that ends after this season).
But Jake said his grandson wants to be here and will ask for a no trade clause in the new contract, a deal that could be his last as a major leaguer. It’s with the Twins that Joe wants to become part of a championship team.
“He wants to win the World Series,” Jake said. “That’s the only thing left for him.”
A year ago Mauer was in pain and unable to play in spring training because of a back injury. He wasn’t even able to begin playing with the Twins until May.
Jake said his grandson’s health is “excellent” now and the back is not a problem. He also said Joe works out daily and is dedicated to being in shape for the start of spring training (pitchers and catchers scheduled to report on February 20).
What if a deal isn’t completed prior to spring training? “It would just be a disaster, really and truly,” Jake said. “I think it would just destroy the Twins. I really do. Not because he’s my grandson. But the gate (ticket sales), the guy and what he does and…how he promoted the Twins and everything. The people (fans) just love him. If they don’t sign him it will be just hell.”
But Jake is confident about a deal coming soon. “He’s gonna stay with the Twins,” he said. “I really think that.”