Joe Mauer, Twins, agree to eight-year $184 million contract extension

[Auggie]

Associated Press / March 21, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS -- AL MVP Joe Mauer has agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension to stay with the Minnesota Twins.

The deal announced Sunday covers the 2011-2018 seasons and includes a full no-trade clause. It's the culmination of a monthslong negotiation between the Twins and their hometown star.

Mauer has won three AL batting titles and an MVP award. He is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Last year he hit .365 with 28 home runs and 96 RBIs to help the Twins win the AL Central division.

The St. Paul native was the No. 1 overall pick by the Twins in 2001.

LINK: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5016230

Nice to see a small-market superstar stay in a small market. Hear that Cleveland?

[Upton]

1. Do you honestly think he's going to stay

with the Twins all 8 years? They've got Target Field opening up....and this is great PR.

Just a guess, but despite the no trade clause, I bet Mauer will end up with one of the big market clubs within 3 years..

[JonLP24]

2. Possibly

But it's still a step in the right direction for the Twins to stay competitive.

[Upton]

3. True..

and I agree with Auggie that it's nice to see a small market star stay at home for a change. Thing is, Mauer's new contract calls for over 20 mil a year, the Twins entire team payroll for 2009 was only 65 million. Mauer's contract is going to be a weight around Minnesota's neck..it will be interesting to see how things work out..