Why Extending Phil Hughes Makes Sense For Twins
Sep 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning in game one of a doubleheader at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Twins and Phil Hughes agreed to a 3 year, $42 million extension yesterday. While there is certainly risk involved, I believe it is the right move.
As discussed earlier, it is nearly impossible for the Twins to lure top flight free agents to Minneapolis, both due to the players’ reluctance to come as well as the team’s reluctance to pay the absolute highest salaries. The good news is, the Twins have been aggressive the past couple of off-seasons at targeting realistic players and getting them to sign on the line that is dotted.
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As with many things in life, this plan has had mixed results. They knocked it out of the park on Hughes’ first season, as he was 16-10 with a 3.52 ERA. He also accomplished the best strikeout-to-walk ratio in the history of the Major Leagues. The hope was that moving Hughes out of the band box in the Bronx and into the spacious confines of Target Field would be better for the fly ball pitcher, and it most certainly was. Ricky Nolasco was on the other end of the spectrum, and that’s all I care to say about that right now.
Ervin Santana was brought to the Twins with hopes that he can acclimate himself as well as Hughes has. Like Hughes, Santana has given up his fair share of home runs, which will hopefully change in Minnesota.
There certainly are risks in the Hughes and Santana signings. For one, Major League contracts are guaranteed, so the numbers are real, unlike the often inflated numbers of an NFL contact. There is a reason the Mets are paying Bobby Bonilla until 2035. Santana is locked up through at least 2018 and Hughes through 2019, which is great for stability. Santana’s deal theoretically carries more health risk as he is 32, whereas Hughes is only 28, even though it feels like he has been in the big leagues forever. The good news is, durability has always been Santana’s calling card, so if that continues to be the case, that mitigates much of the risk to the Twins. Still if either have issues with injuries or effectiveness, the Twins will be tied up for awhile.
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Still, it’s the type of move they must make to be competitive. Hughes was one of the best pitchers in the American League in 2014, so if he can replicate that production or at least come close, this deal is well worth it. $13.2 million per year is pricey, but still less than the most expensive contracts being offered on the open market. Had the Twins waited, and Hughes continued to produce, the bidding war would have ballooned the potential deal higher than the extension singed yesterday.
Really, it makes sense for Hughes as well as the Twins. Yes, there is a good chance he could have made even more, but only if he stays healthy and only if he continues to pitch well. He now knows he will make $58 million dollars before the end of the decade, no matter what happens. Pretty good deal if you can get it.