Ricky Nolasco Signs With The Twins

Ricky Nolasco and the Twins have agreed to a 4 year $49 Million deal, with an option for the 2018 season. He will earn $12 Million a year with a $1 Million buy out, and the 2018 option can turn into a player option if he pitches enough innings in 2016 and 2017.

Nolasco will join a Twins team that is currently rebuilding. Before being traded to the Dodgers in 2013, Nolasco played his entire career with the Marlins. Nolasco has a 4.27 ERA for his career, but he found more success in 2013 by putting up a 3.70 ERA. Although Nolasco gives up his fair share of runs he consistently pitches enough innings every season. Every season since 2008 he has pitched at least 150 innings and more than 185 innings every season except 2010.

Nolasco has pitched below average for his career by holding a 94 ERA+ meaning he is 6% below league average. League average is by no means an insult. In baseball to be average an average team is to have 81 wins. Every team needs average players to find success. Nolasco may not be the main piece for the success of the Twins, but he sure will be an important piece  moving on.