Twins Sign Reliever Glen Perkins To Three Year-Extension

Glen Perkins has agreed to a contract extension with the Minnesota Twins, signing a new three-year, $10.3 million deal today that includes a team option for 2016.

While Perkins had a rocky year in 2010 after moving to the bullpen -- he posted an ugly 5.82 ERA on the field, and filed a grievance against the Twins' organization off it -- he rebounded and emerged as one of the team's most valuable relief pitchers in 2011. Perkins had a 2.48 ERA last year and struck out 65 hitters in 61.2 innings.

“He has been a reliable reliever for us and has helped stabilize the back end of our bullpen in the setup role,” Twins GM Terry Ryan told the Associated Press. “When we were looking for someone to step up last year, it was Glen who seized the opportunity and pitched the way we knew he could.”

The left-handed converted starter just turns 29, and he's still got a few prime years ahead of him.