Michael Cuddyer Rumors
By Editorial Staff
Many assumed that, after the Minnesota Twins signed free agent outfielder Josh Willingham, the market for Michael Cuddyer would quickly develop. Willingham left the market two days ago, and Cuddyer still is looking for his next contract. The Rockies had been seen as the favorites to land Cuddyer after the Twins seemingly bailed out of the race. But now it is rumored that the Phillies, Mariners, Reds and even Twins are still in the mix for Cuddyer. Let’s take a look at all of the latest Michael Cuddyer rumors.
Colorado has been searching for an outfielder all offseason, and it’s reported that they have narrowed their list to Cuddyer and Carlos Beltran. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com tweeted yesterday that Colorado seems to be “leaning more toward” Cuddyer than Beltran. This report was confirmed by Troy Renck of the Denver Post who called the Rockies the favorites to ink Cuddyer this winter.
Many assumed this would be the ultimate outcome of the Cuddyer sweepstakes, but apparently several other teams have jumped into the mix.
Minnesota made it clear that, while it’s unlikely they sign both Cuddyer and Willingham this offseason, they have not taken their offer off the table for their former player. Minnesota has another outfielder testing the free agent market (Jason Kubel) so it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Cuddyer and Willingham could be brought in.
The Phillies were tied to Cuddyer earlier this offseason and seemed willing to make a strong push to sign the outfielder. Those rumors have since fizzled, but now Thomas Harding of MLB.com is reporting that the Phillies are once again holding discussions with Cuddyer’s agent.
Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports hears from sources that the Mariners are still in pursuit of Cuddyer. Seattle could certainly use a boost offensively, and they could look to Cuddyer as a cheaper alternative to Prince Fielder.
Wednesday, Jon Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer said the Reds will look at Cuddyer, but also indicated the club doesn’t seem to be a fit. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told Fay that the Reds interest in Cuddyer will be based on “what he’s looking for”. Fay goes on to say that the $30 million Cuddyer is known to be looking for is “well out of the Reds range”.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.