MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins outfielder Jacque Jones plans to reject the team's salary arbitration offer, meaning he probably won't play for Minnesota next year, the player's agent said.
Agent Dan Lozano told the Star Tribune that Jones has two multiyear contract offers and expects to get three more. It's
believed that one offer is from Kansas City for three years and $15
million, though Lozano said Jones would prefer to play on a
contender.
The Twins told Lozano they were interested in a one-year deal
for Jones.
"I think we're not going to accept it," Lozano said Monday
from the Dominican Republic, where he was checking on clients.
"We've got a couple of multiyear deals on the table and not a
one-year deal. Why would we turn those down and accept a one-year
deal?"
Jones, who made $5 million last season and could make more than that through arbitration, has until Monday to accept or reject arbitration. Several other clubs, including Seattle, Arizona and
the Los Angeles Dodgers, are interested.
Twins general manager Terry Ryan, contacted earlier Monday, said
if Jones accepted arbitration, it would affect the Twins' roster
for next season. Ryan said he was waiting for Jones' decision
before proceeding with free-agent moves.
The Twins would receive a draft pick if Jones signs with another
team.