2012 MLB Free Agents: Twins Nearing Deal with Josh Willingham
By Editorial Staff
The Minnesota Twins are reportedly closing in on a deal with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune is saying that Willingham’s new three-year contract will be worth $21 million. The move would seemingly take Minnesota out of the running for another free agent outfielder, former Twin Michael Cuddyer.
The agreement between the Twins and Willingham was first announced Tuesday evening and was reportedly pending a physical. Minnesota later came out and said that, while they were holding discussions with Willingham, no agreement had been reached. Christensen later reported the terms of the agreement, and it appears the Twins have found the outfielder they have been seeking.
Willingham was the A’s top offensive producer in 2011, hitting 29 home runs and tallying 98 RBI’s. Both of these totals were career highs for the 32-year-old. Willingham finished the season hitting .246/.332/.477 for the A’s.
Willingham figures to add power to an offense that sorely lacked it last season. Willingham has hit at a clip of .262/.361/.475 over his eight-year career, and has hit 21 or more home runs four times.
While the Twins were expected to add an outfielder this winter, many thought they would do so by bringing back Michael Cuddyer. Both Cuddyer and the Twins seemed to express mutual interest in a return, but Minnesota elected to go with the more powerful Willingham over the versatile Cuddyer.
Now that Willingham’s been signed, the market for Cuddyer should develop quickly. The Rockies, Indians and Mariners have all been linked to Cuddyer this offseason.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.