Report: Twins only interested in Torii Hunter if he takes pay cut
The Minnesota Twins are reportedly open to reuniting with free agent outfielder Torii Hunter, provided he doesn't price himself out of their budget.
Minnesota would be interested in bringing Hunter back, but only if he takes a significant pay cut from the value of his previous contract, according to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press. Hunter earned $26 million over the last two years with the Detroit Tigers.
The Twins are said to be wary of going beyond a two-year, $10 million deal for Hunter, who will turn 40 shortly after next season's All-Star break. Berardino noted Hunter's diminished defensive skills and possible retirement as deterrents for the Twins in extending a more competitive offer.
Hunter is reportedly on several teams' radar and could be an underrated pickup for the right price and team. The 39-year-old is best suited in the American League where he can occasionally serve as the designated hitter.
The 18-year veteran slashed .286/.319/.446 with 17 homers and 33 doubles in 142 games for the Tigers in 2014.