SIDELINES : Aguilera Signs $6-Million Pact

Right-handed reliever Rick Aguilera has signed a three-year, $6-million contract extension that will make him the third highest-paid player with the Minnesota Twins next season.

“It’s a great feeling,” Aguilera said. “ . . . I just want to put it behind me and not think about it. It hasn’t really hit me yet. If anything, I think this is going to make me work harder.”

Only Kirby Puckett, who will make $2.7 million this year, and Kent Hrbek, who will earn $2.1 million, are above Aguilera in the team’s salary rankings. Aguilera will get a $400,000 signing bonus in two segments between now and next spring, when his annual salary will increase from $1.4 million in 1991 to $2 million in 1992 and $2.2 million in 1993. The contract includes incentive bonuses in each season.

Twins General Manager Andy MacPhail said Aguilera’s $648,000 salary this season is not affected.

Aguilera, 28, is tied for third in the American League with 13 saves in 15 attempts. He has a 2.14 ERA.