Home

MLB

“Robbery”: Minnesota Twins’ $73.5 Million Plan to Extend 27-Year-Old Pitcher Divides Fans

Published 04/18/2023, 2:52 AM EDT

Follow Us

In the offseason, the Minnesota Twins made a questionable trade when they let go of All-Star infielder Luis Arráez to Miami, in a trade for pitcher Pablo Lopez, and minor leaguers, José Salas, and Byron Chourio. The trade seemed steep, with the Miami Marlins getting the better end of the bargain, but the Twins are now looking to capitalize on their Opening Day starter and build a rotation around Pablo Lopez and their Opening Day starter from 2022, Joe Ryan.

At the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Twins’ rotation will see the departure of three experienced players – Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, and Tyler Mahle – as they reach the end of their contracts and become free agents, and according to sources, the Twins will now construct their rotation around the 27-year-old Marlins transfer Lopez at the cost of $73.5 million.

After a successful trade with the Marlins in the offseason, the Minnesota Twins look to capitalize on their ace:

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Minnesota Twins had quite an active offseason with the massive $200 million Carlos Correa deal, and a move to bring home World Series-winning outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Now, the Twins are preparing a four-year extension worth $73.5 million for Pablo Lopez, despite his recent poor outing against the New York Yankees, where DJ LeMahieu deposited a ball into the bleachers.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Lopez had no regrets and expressed only happiness when the Marlins traded him to Minnesota. Prior to the start of the season, Lopez spoke about the trade, and said, “I had heard nothing but good things about the fans, how they get into the game and all that. So, I’m extremely happy that it happened. It doesn’t happen very often, and it’s something that I’ll cherish and remember forever.”

via Getty

Despite losing the last two games against the New York Yankees, the Twins stand at the top of the American League Central Division with ten wins and six losses.

Fans weigh in on the Twins’ latest decision

Fans were completely divided after this move. While some fans believed that this was a steal, others expressed their concern about how Lopez was “owned” by the Yankees.

This is how fans reacted:

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think about the Marlins offering Lopez a $73.5 million contract for four years, hence avoiding three years of free agency? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking New York Yankees Legend Derek Jeter’s Greatest Ever MLB All-Star Games

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Mohsin Baldiwala

837Articles

One take at a time

Mohsin Baldiwala is a seasoned MLB writer at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Like many New Yorkers, Mohsin's introduction to baseball was through the storied New York Yankees' tales. However, after covering the sport for almost a year and getting closer to the game, Mohsin has shifted his MLB allegiance from the Pinstripes to Cleveland Guardians, influenced by skipper Tito.
Show More>

Edited by:

Abigail Kevichusa