Last season, the Minnesota Twins were absolutely terrible, and two of their only players worth a damn were Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel. Cuddyer and Kubel subsequently became free agents, so in a move to fill a big hole, the Twins have reached an agreement with Josh Willingham, according to Jerry Crasnick.
Josh Willingham, Minnesota Twins Reach Agreement
The Minnesota Twins are signing highly sought-after free agent bat Josh Willingham to a multi-year contract.
No real details are known yet, but Crasnick says it’s a multi-year contract which will be official after Willingham passes a physical. Willingham should pass that physical.
The Twins had interest in Cuddyer, Kubel and Willingham, but intended to sign only one of the three, and now Willingham it is. They reportedly made a three-year offer to Cuddyer, but Cuddyer dragged his feet long enough to apparently fall out of the Twins' picture. Willingham was also being considered by the Indians and Rockies, but they dropped out, leaving the Twins to win.
So what do the Twins have in Willingham? A 32-year-old righty-hitting left fielder with a 125 OPS+ over the last three seasons. His individual season OPS+ marks are 127, 129 and 121, so he’s been consistent, too, for whatever that’s worth. He doesn’t hit for a high average, and he’s hardly known for his defense, but he can slug enough to make himself valuable. A bit of a risk at his age, sure, but not a bad one, assuming the contract terms aren’t insane.
Better, by signing Willingham and letting Cuddyer and Kubel go, the Twins stand to gain three draft picks. At this point, it looks like the Rockies are Cuddyer’s most serious suitor.
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