Minnesota Twins Sign Free Agent Josh Willingham

The Minnesota Twins signed Outfielder Josh Willingham to a three year $21 million deal. With Michael Cuddyer likely leaving, Willingham will replace much of Cuddyer's level of production. While Cuddyer is a more consistent hitter, Willingham offers more upside. Cuddyer has hit at least .271 for the last three seasons, and hit a career high .284 this year.

Willingham hit a career-high 29 home runs this past season, but his average was a putrid .246. The thirty-two year old outfielder has hit twenty plus home runs in four of the last six seasons. Willingham has played his last three seasons with the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics; both of these teams have pitcher-friendly parks.

Target Field, the Twins' stadium, favors pitchers, but with Willingham's success for the A's and Nationals, he should continue posting twenty plus homers a season.

The Twins still need to bolster their starting staff and relief core, but adding Willingham solidifies the middle of their lineup.