The Minnesota Twins have offered free agent pitcher Carl Pavano salary arbitration.

Twins general manager Bill Smith confirmed the decision Tuesday, baseball's deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their former players who became free agents.

Pavano has until next Monday to accept or decline the offer, which ensures the Twins draft-pick compensation if he signs with another club. If he refuses, he can still sign a new contract with the team.

Smith says he told Pavano and his agent of the team's decision.

He says the Twins "look forward to continued negotiations with them." Pavano said after the season ended he'd like to return to Minnesota.

The right-hander came in a trade with Cleveland and went 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 12 starts for the Twins.