Twins Sign Reliever Burton For 2 Years, $5.5M

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Jared Burton on a two-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a club option for the 2015 season.

The deal was worked out Thursday at baseball's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

The 31-year-old Burton had five saves and a 2.18 ERA in 62 innings with 16 walks and 55 strikeouts in 2012, his first season with the Twins. Burton became the primary eighth-inning setup man for closer Glen Perkins. Burton previously pitched for the Cincinnati Reds.

Burton will make $2.05 million in 2013 and $3.25 million in 2014. The Twins hold a $3.6 million option for 2015 with a $200,000 buyout.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)