There's also a vesting option for a fifth year.
As the Mets continue to hold onto the pitchers that they want to trade, other teams continue filling their own pitching voids. The Twins saw their starters combined for a woeful 5.06 ERA last season, so it made sense to go out and add a successful veteran to the mix. On Thursday, the club agreed to terms with former Braves hurler Ervin Santana.
Santana will earn at least $56 million under the deal, which includes $55 million over four years and a $1 million buyout if the pitcher does not qualify for a fifth year vesting option valued at $14 million.
During 2014, Santana's first and only season with Atlanta, he made 31 starts and threw for a 3.95 ERA with a 3.39 FIP. Santana's 8.22 strikeouts per nine innings was the highest figure he has posted since 2008 and his 0.73 home runs per nine was the lowest mark of his career.
Moving to the American League should cause a drop in Santana's overall numbers next season, but a big yard like Target Field should help keep his home run numbers low. As has been the case for his entire career, if Santana can limit his walks in Minneosta, he stands a great chance of being an effective starter.