Hot- Stove

Minnesota has reached multi-year deals with former AL MVP Justin Morneau and outfielder Michael Cuddyer, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Friday on its Web site. The deal with Morneau, which comes just a week after the two sides agreed to a one-year, $7.4 million contract, is for a reported six years and $80 million. If signed, it would represent both the longest contract in Twins history, as well as the richest, in terms of overall money, the newspaper reported.

Cuddyer gets a three-year, $23 million pact, with an option for a fourth year at $12 million, the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.

Morneau won the MVP award in 2006 after hitting .321 with 34 home runs and 130 RBIs. His numbers dipped in 2007, as he hit just .271 with 31 home runs and 111 RBIs.
Cuddyer batted .276 with 16 home runs and 81 RBIs last season.

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau agreed Friday to a $7.4 million one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The 2006 American League MVP received a nearly $3 million raise from the $4.5 million he made last year. Morneau is eligible for free agency after the 2010 season.

Morneau hit .271 with 31 home runs and 111 RBIs last year. His power numbers nearly matched his MVP season, but his average slipped significantly from the .321 he hit in 2006. He’s a career .276 hitter, with 110 home runs and 394 RBIs.

His deal leaves three Twins facing possible arbitration: right fielder Michael Cuddyer and right-handers Matt Guerrier and Juan Rincon.

Outfielder Jason Kubel reached a $1.3 million, one-year deal on Thursday.