Gaetti Still Undecided, but Says His Ties to Twins Have Weakened

Leaving the Minnesota Twins is not as unlikely for Gary Gaetti as it was a few years ago, but the free-agent third baseman said Monday he hasn’t decided whether the Angels’ four-year, $10.8-million offer is enough to lure him away.

Gaetti, who has 201 home runs and 758 runs batted in for the Twins in slightly more than nine seasons, had a falling out with Manager Tom Kelly last season after Kelly publicly criticized Gaetti’s run production. That rift, coupled with a Minnesota offer that falls far short of the Angels’ bid, could persuade the two-time all-star to depart. As a new-look free agent, Gaetti has until Jan. 29 to re-sign with Minnesota or sign with another team.

The Twins have offered the .256 hitter $7 million over three years, but that amount includes deferred payments and incentive clauses. Payment would be guaranteed for a fourth season only if Gaetti meets certain performance standards in the third season of the contract. The Angels’ offer is guaranteed for four years.

“There’s a lot of things for me to consider, with my kids in school here,” Gaetti said from his suburban Twin Cities home. “I’ve been here nine years. . . . I will say it’s more likely and not as frightening thinking about leaving Minnesota now.”