Jake Odorizzi has accepted a one-year qualifying offer from the Twins, meaning he’ll make $17.8 million 2020 before getting a chance to test the market as a free agent before the 2021 season.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand was the first to report the news.
Odorizzi, 29, was offered the deal 10 days ago, and Thursday was the deadline to accept or reject the contract. Had he rejected it, he could’ve pursued life with another team, but any club that would’ve signed him would’ve had to give up a draft pick to the Twins.
With Odorizzi locked in for the 2020 season, Minnesota has two of five starting pitchers locked and loaded, and both of them were All-Stars last season.
- Jose Berrios: 14-8, 3.68 ERA with 195 strikeouts in 200.1 innings.
- Jake Odorizzi: 15-7, 3.51 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 159 innings.
Despite an All-Star status, Odorizzi’s second half wasn’t nearly as good as his first half. He went 10-2 with a 2.24 ERA in his first 14 starts and then finished 5-5 with a 4.68 ERA over his final 16 starts.
A full season in 2020 that resembles his first half could warrant him a massive, multi-year payday in what’s considered a weaker starting pitcher market next offseason.
It was also reported this week that Minnesota has been in contact with the representation for Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler. Details on that story here.
