Twins Sign Ricky Nolasco to $49 million, four year deal

Right handed slinger Ricky Nolasco delivers a pitch in Dodger blue, but he’ll soon sport the Minnesota gray and red. Photo Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Right hander Ricky Nolasco has agreed to a four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, a signing worth $49-million. The news was seemed to be first spread by Nolasco himself, where he changed his twitter picture to a Twins logo.

The deal will bring in $12 million a year for Nolasco, and a fifth year deal in 2018, according to Jeff Passan.

After a tough season in 2013, where the Twins finished with a 66-96 record, the team entered the off-season looking for valuable players. Nolasco, 30, is likely the first player the Twins are upgrading their staff with. After all, finishing with smack last in the majors with a 5.26 team ERA, and nearly again in their rotation, at 29th place with a massive 4.81, Nolasco will help bring that down … but not by much.

In the beginning of 2013, Nolasco was off to a horrendous start. In 18 games with the Miami Marlins, he threw a 3.85 ERA and a 5-8 record. However, being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, his season turned around. In 16 games wearing the blue and white, he started racking up the wins; topping an 8-3 record and a 3.52 ERA.

In his 8-year career, he’s put up a massive 4.37 ERA and an 89-75 record.

The Twins aren’t likely done stacking up their team for 2014, as rumors dictate they may have Reds Bronson Arroyo or Matt Garza in their sights.

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