2012 MLB Free Agents: Michael Cuddyer Decision “Could Happen Soon”
By Editorial Staff
Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reports that Michael Cuddyer’s free agent decision will be “huge news” and “could happen soon”. Cuddyer has been linked to several clubs this offseason, but the leading candidates appear to be the Minnesota Twins and the Colorado Rockies. Morosi says that Cuddyer’s decision will have a “big impact” on the plans of the Twins and Rockies, and other free agents such as Josh Willingham are waiting for a resolution so that they can sign.
It’s appeared from the start that Cuddyer would be returning to the Twins. The Philadelphia Phillies expressed interest in the veteran outfielder early, as the club could have used him at first base or in left or right.
These talks have since cooled, and though other clubs have targeted Cuddyer, he and the Twins appear to have a mutual interest in one another. The Twins offered Cuddyer a contract this season, and the 32-year-old has said that he would like to remain in Minnesota.
Still, this hasn’t stopped teams like the Rockies from pursuing Cuddyer. Though his offensive numbers aren’t overly impressive for a corner outfielder, Cuddyer has shown the ability to be versatile in the field and seems to be a team-first player that organizations love to bring in.
Over his 11 seasons in the majors, all spent with the Twins, Cuddyer has hit at a clip of .272/.343/.451. Last season Cuddyer managed an OPS of .805 with 29 doubles, 20 home runs and 70 RBI’s while playing right field as well as first and second base.
The Cuddyer decision is holding up free agent talks for other corner outfielders, especially Josh Willingham. The Twins and Rockies both view Willingham as their backup plan if they were to lose out in the Cuddyer sweepstakes.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.