Twins give closer Glen Perkins extension through 2017

Twins give closer Glen Perkins extension through 2017

Published Mar. 14, 2014 3:10 p.m. ET

Glen Perkins got a chance to be Minnesota's full-time closer last season. It looks like he'll be in that role for a while.

The Twins announced they signed Perkins to a four-year contract extension through 2017 with a club option for 2018.

Perkins had his 2014 salary restructured. He will now make $4.025 million this season, $4.65 million in 2015, $6.3 million in 2016 and $6.5 million in 2017. If the club picks up the option, Perkins will earn $6.5 million in 2018. There a $700,000 buyout if the Twins don't pick up the option.

Perkins sent out a Tweet later Friday saying: "Thank you @Twins , Pohlad family for believing in me. Thank you Twins fans for being awesome and supportive. Good days ahead."

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In 2013, Perkins made his first All-Star team and was named the Twins Pitcher of the Year by the Twin Cities Chapter of the BBWAA after going 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. He also converted 36 of 40 saves.

Perkins sent a Tweet later Friday saying: "Thank you @Twins , Pohlad family for believing in me. Thank you Twins fans for being awesome and supportive. Good days ahead."

The Stillwater, Minn., native was the Twins' first-round draft choice (No. 22 overall) in the 2004 draft. He debuted with Minnesota in 2006, appearing in four games. After appearing in 19 games in relief in 2007, he was moved to the rotation from 2008-09, but was back in the bullpen in 2010, where he has thrived.

From 2011-13, Perkins has appeared in 196 games with a 2.45 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 194 2/3 innings and a 1.063 WHIP.

Overall in his eight major-league seasons, all with the Twins, Perkins is 28-17 with 54 saves and a 3.89 ERA.

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