Twins, Kubel discussing 2-year deal

The Twins are willing to approach outfielder Jason Kubel about a two-year contract that would take care of his final years of arbitration eligibility.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: January 13, 2009 - 4:24 AM

The Twins are willing to approach outfielder Jason Kubel about a two-year contract that would take care of his final years of arbitration eligibility.

Kubel, who avoided arbitration last year when he signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal, confirmed Monday that his agent has been in touch with the Twins about such a deal.

"If something happens, I hope it happens quick," Kubel said by phone from his home near San Diego.

Kubel, 26, hit .272 last season with career highs in homers (20), RBI (78), hits (126) and walks (47) while settling in at designated hitter.

Arbitration filing began Jan. 5 and ends Thursday. The figures will be exchanged Monday.

The Twins have only one other arbitration-eligible player this offseason in righthander Matt Guerrier, who was 6-9 with a 5.19 ERA in 2008.