Michael Cuddyer has an agreement on a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Colorado Rockies, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, who adds that the sides are putting the finishing touches on the deal.
The Denver Post reported on Thursday night that the Rockies were the favorites to land Cuddyer and the Twins were not optimistic.
The Twins had a three-year, $25 million on the table for more than a week before agreeing Josh Willingham to a three-year, $21 million deal. They continued talking to Cuddyer's agent, Casey Close, and there was an understanding that Cuddyer could still have that deal as long as ownership approved.
On a conference call today, introducing Willingham, Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said it was "improbable but not impossible" that the team would be able to retain Cuddyer. Ryan stressed that the Twins need pitching.
Cuddyer was a Type A free agent, so the Twins will get two compensation picks in next June's draft once he signs. They'll get a first-round pick and a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds.
