Report: Twins to sign slugger Willingham

MINNEAPOLIS The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a multi-year deal with free-agent outfielder Josh Willingham, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The deal is pending a physical, Crasnick reports.Willingham, 32, played 136 games for Oakland last season, his eighth year in the majors. He batted .246 with a .332 on-base percentage and set career highs in home runs (29) and RBI (98). He also spent five seasons with the Florida Marlins and two with the Washington Nationals in 2009 and 2010. He's a career .262 hitter with a .361 career OBP.FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported that Willingham and the Twins were nearing a deal. He also said that the Indians and Rockies were also interested in Willingham before dropping out of the race.The signing of Willingham could mean outfielder Michael Cuddyer is on his way out of Minnesota. Cuddyer, 32, is a free agent and reportedly was mulling a three-year, 24 million offer from the Twins. Cuddyer was named to the American League All-Star team last season for the first time in his 11-year career. He finished 2011 with 20 homers, 70 RBI and a .284 average. He was one of Minnesota's most durable and versatile players, participating in 139 games. He and third baseman Danny Valencia were the only two players in the opening day lineup to avoid the disabled list last season.Cuddyer has played most of his career in right field but moved around the diamond a bit the past several years. When Justin Morneau suffered injuries that limited his playing time from 2009-11, Cuddyer filled in admirably for Morneau at first base. Cuddyer also played a handful of games at second base and even pitched one scoreless inning last season against Texas.If Cuddyer signs with another team, the Twins will receive two draft picks because Cuddyer is a Type A free agent. The Willingham signing also could mean the end of Jason Kubel's time as a Twin. Kubel is a Type B free agent, which means Minnesota will receive one draft pick if he signs elsewhere.Willingham has spent the majority of his eight-year career in left field, playing just 34 games in right field. If Kubel and Cuddyer were to leave, the Twins' outfield could have Willingham in left, Ben Revere in center and Denard Span in right.