Twins make Lynn deal official

The Minnesota Twins made it official on Monday, announcing their one-year, $12 million deal with right-hander Lance Lynn.

Lynn agreed to terms on Saturday but still needed to pass a physical. The deal also includes the chance for Lynn to earn an additional $2 million in performance incentives.

Lynn declined a qualifying offer of $17.4 million with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this offseason. As a result, the Twins will surrender their third-round pick (No. 95 overall) in the 2018 draft for signing him.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Lynn turned down a two-year, $20 million deal with Minnesota in recent weeks.

Lynn is slated to start Tuesday's exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Lynn, 30, spent all six of his MLB seasons with the Cardinals, going 72-47 with a 3.38 ERA and 919 strikeouts in 183 games (161 starts). He sat out the entire 2016 season following Tommy John surgery.

Last season, Lynn posted an 11-8 record with a 3.43 ERA and 153 punch outs over 33 starts. The 33 starts tied for the National League lead.

Lynn collected a personal-best 18 wins with a 3.78 ERA and 180 strikeouts during his second MLB season in 2012, earning his lone All-Star selection.

Minnesota is expected to be without staff ace Ervin Santana for the first full month of the season as he recovers from finger surgery, making Lynn's addition all the more important. Minnesota also swung a trade to acquire fellow right-handed starter Jake Odorizzi from the Tampa Bay Rays last month.

--Field Level Media