Twins could still bring back pitcher Scott Baker

The Minnesota Twins declined the $9.25 million option in pitcher Scott Baker's contract on Monday, but that doesn't necessarily mean Baker's career in Minnesota is over. Twins general manager Terry Ryan said the team is still interested in bringing Baker back on a new deal.

Baker, who missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, said the desire to be back with the Twins next season was mutual.

"We're talking, and obviously I think there's a mutual feeling that I want to be back, and they want me back," Baker said, according to the Star Tribune. "But it has to make sense for both parties, and we're just not there yet."

Baker became a free agent when the Twins declined his option and can begin negotiations with other teams on Friday, but it's also possible he could work out a deal with the Twins before then. Minnesota and Baker can continue to negotiate prior to the start of the free agency period, something Ryan said was possible.

In eight seasons with the Twins, Baker started 159 regular season games. He has 63 wins and a career ERA of 4.15. Barker could sign an incentive-based one-year contract like several other pitchers coming off of serious injuries have in recent seasons.