The Minnesota Twins have declined the option on reliever Jared Burton’s contract for next season.
In doing so, the Twins released Burton from their 40 man roster and made him a free agent.
The #MNTwins have declined their 2015 club option on Jared Burton.
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 22, 2014
Burton was frequently used out of the Twins bullpen in recent seasons. He served primarily as a late-inning setup man for Twins closer Glen Perkins.
Jared Burton made 203 appearances (192 IP, 10 saves) for #MNTwins over past 3 seasons. Went 8-16, 3.47 ERA w/7.6 K/9, 3.0 BB/9.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) October 22, 2014
According to 1500 ESPN, the move is expected to save the Twins about $3.4 million. The team chose to pay a $200,000 buyout instead of bringing the right-hander back next season for $3.6 million.
The Twins could attempt to re-sign Burton, but at 33-years-old, the team is more likely to try and fill the role with a less-expensive player.
According to Twins insider Aaron Gleeman, Burton could be the first of several players removed from the Twins 40-man roster.
“As one of baseball’s worst teams for a fourth straight year the Twins have no shortage of dead weight on the 40-man roster, plus plenty of marginal talents clinging to spots.”
Gleeman compiled a list of potential cuts the Twins could make to clear up space the roster.
