MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins informed three-time All-Star and former closer Glen Perkins they will not be picking up his $6.5 million option, and instead will pay a $700,000 buyout to make him a free agent, which could bring an end to his time in Minnesota.
The move was expected, and Perkins -- who returned in mid-August after missing 16 months after undergoing left labrum shoulder surgery -- said he'd be open to returning with the Twins on a Minor League deal. But Perkins, a Stillwater, Minn., native, isn't expected to sign elsewhere, and he could decide to retire.
Perkins, 34, made his final appearance on Oct. 1, and he couldn't hide his emotions in the dugout after being brought in to get the final out of the ninth inning against the Tigers. He came in to his closer walk-up music of Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down," and retired Andrew Romine on a popup to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Vargas gave Perkins the ball after the play.

"That was a cool moment," Perkins said. "And if that's it, I'll remember it for the rest of my life."
Perkins posted a 9.53 ERA in eight outings this season. His career numbers include a 3.88 ERA with 504 strikeouts and 158 walks in 624 1/3 innings in parts of 12 seasons with the Twins. He was an All-Star from 2013-15, and he racked up 120 career saves.