The Minnesota Twins and free agent starting pitcher J.A. Happ agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal that will bring a long-time American League rotation staple to Minneapolis.
Happ became a free agent in November after spending the past three seasons with the New York Yankees, where he compiled a 21-10 record with a 4.13 ERA in 50 starts.
The 38-year-old pitcher will now embark on a new quest to win a World Series trophy for the first time since 2008 with the Philadelphia Phillies in his rookie season.
The Illinois native is expected to play a big part in a Twins rotation who needed another piece to fill out its fifth slot. Happ’s goal will be simple: try to limit opposing offenses enough to let the Twins’ dynamic offense do the heavy lifting.
The Twins needed another rotation presence like Happ’s if they want to compete in the AL Central this season. Their main rival, the Chicago White Sox, has one of the Big Leagues’ best offenses and feasted against rival pitching last season.
Expect a fully healthy Happ to report to Twins camp in Fort Myers, Florida, next month as he begins preparations with his new team for the upcoming season.
