The Minnesota Twins are closing in on the signing of Korean left-hand pitcher Hyeon-jong Yang.
The Pioneer Press has reported Saturday that the Twins have won the bidding for the right to negotiate with the left-hander and are now in the process of securing a deal.
The 26-year-old won the first Choi Dongwon Award in his native country, which Pioneer Press reporter Mike Berardino describes as the equivalent of the Cy Young Award, after a 16-8 season with a 4.25 earned run average in 28 starts for his club, the Kia Tigers.
Yahoo Sports says that there are no details as of yet as to how much the Twins bid. They should now have 30 days to work out a deal with Yang.
According to Hardball Talk, Yang has middle-of-the-rotation potential and comes with a 92 to 95 mph fastball, with the Pioneer Press adding he has a four-pitch mix with a plus slider.
Five-time All-Star outfielder Torii Hunter has been linked with a return to the Twins this week, the Star Tribune reports, with the 39-year-old looking for a new club with his contract unlikely to be renewed by the Detroit Tigers.
NBC Sports reports the Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants could also be interested, especially if his salary demands are too high for the Twins.
