The Minnesota Twins have settled a one-year contract with right-hander Jorge Alcalá, avoiding salary arbitration and securing his arm for the upcoming season with a guarantee of $845,000, as confirmed by both CBS News Minnesota. Alcalá, who has agreed to the terms on Jan. 11, is set to earn a salary of $790,000 this year, and the terms include a $1.5 million team option for 2025 with a $55,000 buyout, providing the Twins with a financial escape hatch should the need arise as stated in Recorder Online News.
Despite being sidelined by a stress fracture in his right forearm which kept him from the mound between May 14 and Oct. 1 last year, Alcalá showed potential in his limited appearances before the injury collecting a 6.23 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Twins and providing his resilience and capability going 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA over three minor league levels, illustrating his tenacity and potential as a solid bullpen asset backs the team's decision.
In parallel fiscal moves, the Twins have also agreed to a $1.35 million, one-year deal with first baseman Alex Kirilloff; the contract includes the possibility of $25,000 in performance bonuses tied to plate appearances, rewarding him with $12,500 each upon reaching the 100 and 150 marks as stipulated in the agreement.
Last season Kirilloff's performance culminated in career highs, showcasing an athlete on the rise and setting the stage for an encouraging 2024 if he maintains his trajectory those are the kinds of numbers the Twins will hope to see more of as they build a competitive roster for the season ahead, and Kirilloff could be a key piece of that puzzle with his bat adding depth and power to the Twins' lineup.
