With the same pen he used to sign his rookie contract in 2001, Twins catcher Joe Mauer (.365, 28, 96) signs a $184 million, eight-year contract extension, keeping him with the small market team through 2018. Last year, the 26 year-old backstop, after starting the season on the DL as result of back surgery the previous year, captured his third batting crown and was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player.

On March 22, 2010 — With the same pen he used to sign his rookie contract in 2001, Twins catcher Joe Mauer (.365, 28, 96) signs a $184 million, eight-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2018. The deal includes a full no-trade clause for the hometown hero, who grew up in St. Paul, MN, and is the fourth-largest in major league history. Last year, the 26 year-old backstop, after starting the season on the DL as result of back surgery the previous year, captured his third batting crown and was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player.