Minnesota Twins Lock Up Starter To Huge Extension

The Minnesota Twins knew they were getting a rock-solid, front-end of the rotation arm when they traded the American League batting champion Luis Arraez to the Minnesota Twins for Pablo Lopez this offseason. But maybe even they didn't know just how good he'd be. 

Now, after watching him register a 1.73 ERA in four starts, with a major league-leading 33 strikeouts in 26 innings, the Twins have signed Lopez to a huge 4-year, $73.5M extension.

The huge payday for Pablo coming after an incredible start to the season and a dominating appearance in the WBC. His 33 strikeouts is the most in MLB. He would have been arbitration eligible in 2024.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) April 17, 2023

As noted by MLB Insider Craig Mish, who reported the deal, Lopez has developed a new "sweeper" this season that's added immensely to his arsenal. 

Lopez was still arbitration-eligible next season, but now the Twins have locked him up through the 2027 season. And Mish figures that's a brilliant move by Minnesota.

"I think he can be an All-Star, and he can be in the Cy Young conversation, too," said Mish. 

Lopez has a career 3.83 ERA in his 5+ seasons in the big leagues, with a 1.17 WHIP, and an impressive 8.8 K/9 to 2.5 BB/9 ratio.

The 27-year-old Venezuelan also had a tremendous run in the World Baseball Classic this spring. He heads up an impressive rotation that the Twins have built, also featuring Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan.  

Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports