It’s very rare that the sports world sees a trade that benefits both teams. There’s usually one clear winner and one clear loser.
However, the Miami Marlins-Minnesota Twins blockbuster trade which saw Luis Arraez and Pablo Lopez traded for one another back in January, has seemingly benefitted both sides. The Marlins’ second baseman is hitting .471/.526/.647 with a 1.173 OPS, while Lopez has pitched to a 1.73 ERA in his first four starts with the Twins.
On Monday, news broke that Lopez is closing in on a contract extension with the Twins. Craig Mish of SportsGrid and the Miami Herald first reported the news that Lopez was close to a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension, which is expected to be finalized soon.
The Minnesota Twins and Pitcher Pablo López are closing in on a 4 year $73.5 million dollar contract extension per sources. Agreement expected to be finalized soon.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) April 17, 2023
In 26 innings pitched this season, Lopez has pitched to a 1-1 record and struck out 33 batters.
The MLB world reacted to the huge Twins news on social media:
“The Twins extending Pablo López for 4 years/$73.5 million is a great deal for both sides,” Twins Talk on Twitter said. “Locked up their best pitcher long term and he’s only 27. From everything we’ve seen so far, this was the correct decision.”
“Yessss. This is a good value given how he’s pitched like am absolute #1 starter this year,” said a Twins fan on Twitter.
“That Arraez trade is looking very good for both sides,” another Twins fan wrote. “This is fantastic.”
“This is a heist man,” tweeted Ryan Garica.”
“well-deserved for Lopez. and really smart for the Twins,” Senior MLB writer Ryan Fagan said.
