Twins agree to give Michael Tonkin one-year, $1 million deal, avoiding arbitration

The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with right-handed pitcher Michael Tonkin through the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Tonkin is projected to receive $1.5 million in arbitration, according to thescore.com.

Tonkin, 35, was active in the majors last season, starting the year with the New York Mets. On April 9, the Twins traded Tonkin for cash, but assigned him shortly thereafter and Tonkin ended up back with the Mets. Later in April, the Mets DFA game took place and he was claimed by the New York Yankees, where he spent his longest and best career.

But in August, Tonkin was DFAed by the Yankees and the Twins and asked to sit him out for the rest of the year.

Overall, Tonkin made 57 appearances in 2024 (13 with the Twins), posting a 3.63 earned run average in 79 1/3 innings, allowing 70 hits and 43 runs (32 earned) while giving up 85. Tonkin played 39 games with the Yankees.

The Twins selected Tonquin with the 906th overall pick in the 30th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Tonkin played for the club from 2013 to 2017 and has a 4.18 ERA in 305 2/3 innings in 243 career appearances, striking out 309 batters during that time.