AP

Pitcher Livan Hernandez and the Twins have agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract. Hernandez can earn an additional $2 million in performance bonuses.

The Twins are short on experience in their rotation, after trading Johan Santana and losing Carlos Silva as a free agent.

The Mets were a rumored destination for Hernandez, even after they acquired Santana. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez is Livan’s brother.

Last season, Livan Hernandez made $7 million while going 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA in 33 starts for Arizona. He has been quite durable over 10-plus years in the majors, logging at least 199 innings each season since 1998.

Hernandez joins a handful of young starting pitching candidates with Minnesota, including Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Boof Bonser, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, and former Mets prospect Phil Humber.