This isn’t exactly the storyline a hopeful contender in the American League wants to begin the season, but it’s exactly what the Minnesota Twins are dealing with just hours before they take the field on Opening Day against the Baltimore Orioles.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, Brian Dozier will not discuss his contract situation during the season, and he plans to test free agency after the year is up.
“Any chances of the Minnesota Twins signing second baseman Brian Dozier to a multiyear contract extension before he reaches free agency are dead, sources said Wednesday.”
Crasnick adds that Minnesota’s only chance to bring Dozier back will be “during a brief window after the World Series or after Dozier files for free agency and is available to all 30 clubs.”
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– Buxton batting 8th in projecting Twins’ Opening Day lineup
Dozier has totaled 127 homers over the last three seasons, including 42 in 2016 and 34 more in 2017.
If he reaches free agency he’ll be part of a loaded class that includes Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Charlie Blackmon, Andrew McCutchen, Adam Jones, Dallas Keuchel and many other top flight players.
Meanwhile, Dozier will hit leadoff for the Twins at 2 p.m. today when they open the season in Baltimore.
