Twins restructure contract and extend Glen Perkins through 2017

The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have agreed to terms with closer Glen Perkins on a new four-year contract extension, covering the 2014-2017 seasons. Perkins, who was under contract through the 2015 season (signed in 2012), will now earn $4.025 million in 2014, $4.65 million in 2015, $6.3 million in 2016 and $6.5 million in 2017. The deal also includes a $6.5 million club option for the 2018 season.

Perkins, 31, was 2-0, 2.30 ERA (62.2 IP, 16 ER) with 36 saves, allowing 43 hits with 15 walks and 77 strikeouts in 61 appearances last season. He converted 36 of 40 (90%) save opportunities and averaged 11.06 strikeouts per nine innings. He was named to his first All-Star Game in 2013 after he saved 21 games, with a 1.82 ERA (34.2 IP, 7 ER) and .172 batting average against in the first half. Perkins was also named the Twins Pitcher of the Year by the Twin Cities Chapter of the BBWAA and awarded the Carl R. Pohlad Award for his outstanding charitable work throughout Twins Territory.

The Minnesota native has a career record of 28-17, 3.89 ERA (498.0 IP, 215 ER) with 54 saves and 379 strikeouts in 276 games (44 starts), all with the Twins.

A 2001 graduate of Stillwater (MN) High School, Perkins was originally selected by the Twins in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Minnesota. He currently resides in Lakeville, Minnesota.