Minnesota Twins Sign Catcher Kurt Suzuki

The Minnesota Twins have signed a deal with veteran pitcher Kurt Suzuki.

September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki (22) stands in the dugout against the Los Angeles Angels during the 10th inning at O.co Coliseum. The Angels defeated the Athletics 5-4 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota cleared $3.5 million from their 2014 obligations on Wednesday when they traded catcher/outfielder Ryan Doumit to Atlanta for Triple-A left-hander Sean Gilmartin— and wasted little time going after Suzuki.

On Friday the Twins agreed to a one-year deal with Suzuki. The terms of his deal were not available, but FoxSports.com reported that it would be $2.75 million in base salary plus performance bonuses.

Suzuki, 30, averaged 14 home runs per season from 2009-11 with the Oakland A’s. He hit a combined .232 with five homers in 94 games last season with Washington and Oakland, but is considered a solid defender who can handle a pitching staff.

He threw out 30 percent of attempted base stealers in 2012, slightly better than his career figure of 26 percent. However, his throwing number dropped off significantly in 2013, when he nabbed just 12.3 percent (8 of 65) attempted base stealers.