Jake Odorizzi Explains Why He Accepted Twins' Qualifying Offer
By Parker White
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi was one of only two players who accepted the qualifying offer. He'll return to Minnesota on a one-year, $17.8 million deal, meaning he'll enter the free agent market next year and won't have a draft pick attached to him.
You certainly can't blame him for taking that kind of money for one year, but after an All-Star campaign in 2019, there's no doubt he could've gotten a multi-year deal.
According to Odorizzi in a conference call, he did have interest from several teams, but the time frame and draft pick made things more difficult.
Jake Odorizzi said on a conference call that he had interest from many teams, but it was tough to negotiate given the short timeframe (10 days) and the draft pick penalty attached to him. He's excited to be back in Minnesota and feels he can be at the top of next year's market.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) November 15, 2019
Odorizzi also mentioned how much he enjoys playing for the Twins, and he's "always open" to talking about a long-term extension to stay in Minnesota.
Odorizzi also said that he's interested and "always open" to extension talks with the Twins. He's made no secret of the fact that he enjoys being in Minnesota.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) November 15, 2019
"The ball's in their court now," he said of Derek Falvey and Thad Levine.
In the end, when you combine the money and the fact he's staying with a team he enjoys playing for, it was a no-brainer for Odorizzi to come back, even if it's just for one more year.