Posted at 6:07 a.m., Friday, January 18, 2008
Baseball: Twins, Morneau agree to 1-year, $7.4M deal
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau agreed today to a $7.4 million one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.The 2006 American League MVP received a nearly $3 million raise from the $4.5 million he made last year. Morneau is eligible for free agency after the 2010 season.
Morneau hit .271 with 31 home runs and 111 RBIs last year. His power numbers nearly matched his MVP season, but his average slipped significantly from the .321 he hit in 2006. He's a career .276 hitter, with 110 home runs and 394 RBIs.
His deal leaves three Twins facing possible arbitration: right fielder Michael Cuddyer and right-handers Matt Guerrier and Juan Rincon.
Outfielder Jason Kubel reached a $1.3 million, one-year deal on Thursday.
