According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, nine teams have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Crasnick’s list of potential suitors includes the Twins, Red Sox, Indians and Reds while the Phillies and Pirates have also been tied to Willingham this offseason.
So far it has come out that the Twins have “nothing brewing” regarding Willingham. Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN says that Minnesota and Willingham’s agent have made no plans to meet this week. Crasnick thinks the Twins view Willingham as backup plan if they are unable to retain free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer.
Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports that the Indians current level of interest in Willingham is “mild”. According to Bastian, there is “nothing significant” developing at the moment in Cleveland.
Similar to the Cuddyer situation, Crasnick believes that the Red Sox will turn to Willingham if they lose out in the David Ortiz sweepstakes.
Willingham made $6 million in 2011 but hit the free agent market coming off of one of his best seasons. Last year for the A’s Willingham tallied career highs in home runs (29) and RBI’s (98) while hitting at a clip of .246/.332/.477.
Over his eight major league seasons, Willingham has maintained a career OPS of .836 and an impressive on base percentage of .361. Willingham has also hit 21 or more home runs in each of the four seasons in which he played at least 133 games.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.