Major League Baseball’s annual winter meetings came to an end in Florida on Thursday, and the Twins developed pipelines to potential free-agent signings during the entire four-day process.
“We did a lot of good things down here,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan told the Star Tribune. “It’s amazing how many sessions we’ve had with different people. There have been a few things happening over the last day and a half. I’m sure when people get home and regroup a little bit, you will see a little more of that.”
One deal did get finalized, according to Darren Wolfson.
Minor league deal for Kubel.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) December 13, 2013
Jason Kubel signs a minor league deal with #MNTwins with an invitation to major league camp. He will also be at #TwinsFest
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 13, 2013
Yes, that’s ex-Twin outfielder/designated hitter Jason Kubel, who flamed out in the second year of his two-year, $16 million contract he signed with the Diamondbacks following the 2011 season.
He hit just .216 with five home runs between stints with Arizona and Cleveland last season, but he hit a career-high 30 home runs in 2012.
Meanwhile, the Star Tribune reported that the Twins have offered starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey a two-year, $12 million deal. That’s $2 million more than the team originally offered.
Aaron Gleeman of NBC Sports hates the offer, saying “as a Twins fan I’m pretty grossed out right now.”
Pelfrey went 5-13 with a 5.19 ERA last season for the Twins.
Yahoo! Sports, so far, has given the Twins a B for an offseason grade.
The signings of right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes, though not earthshaking, provide an immediate upgrade to Minnesota moribund rotation. The Twins have more to do, which includes finding a leadoff hitter, a veteran catcher and additional power for the middle of the lineup.
