The Minnesota Twins have liked what they saw from right-hand pitcher Pablo Lopez since acquiring him in a trade with the Miami Marlins back in January. So much so that they have reportedly decided to lock him into a long-term extension.
According to MLB Network’s Craig Mish, Lopez and the Twins are in agreement on a four-year, $73.5 million contract. The deal, which is pending for physical, is the largest franchise has given to a pitcher in its history
Lopez’s extension buys off one year of arbitration and three years of free agency, locking him with the Twins through the 2027 MLB season. He will receive $5.45 million in base salary this season as part of the agreement he made with the Marlins to avoid arbitration.
Despite sending All-Star infielder Luis Arráez to the Marlins in order to acquire Lopez, the Twins believed they were getting a star in the making. The 27-year-old player only solidified this since coming to Minnesota, impressing the team with his work ethic and talent. He is off to a great start, going 1-1 in four starts while compiling a 1.73 ERA with a league-leading 33 strikeouts.
Lopez initially signed with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent in 2012 but ended up being traded to the Marlins in 2017. He received his majors debut a year later and went on to have a 28-31 record with a 3.94 ERA and 489 strikeouts in Miami.
