Free agent outfielder Torii Hunter signed a one year contract with the Twins worth $10.5 million dollars. Hunter was a star centerfielder in Minnesota for almost a decade before leaving as a free agent back in 2007. He crushed 192 career home runs with the Twins, while also playing gold glove caliber defense. He spent the last two seasons with the Tigers, and he was a key component to their lineup with a .283 average and 17 home runs.
Some believed that Hunter would be targeted by the Mets this offseason prior to the Cuddyer signing, but the Mets never showed interest.
Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that talks between the Braves and Nick Markakis, are intensifying. The terms of the contract could reach up to $45 million over four years. Markakis batted .276 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI in 155 games with the Orioles this year, and owns a career .290 average and .793 OPS.
Update: It’s official. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports is now reporting that Markakis has signed with the Braves. It is a four year, $44 million dollar deal according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
The Braves also announced earlier today that they have signed former Orioles closer, Jim Johnson. Johnson led the MLB in saves in back to back seasons in 2012 and 2013, but he struggled mightily with Oakland this past season. He had a 7.14 ERA with the A’s before getting released mid-season. According to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, Johnson’s base salary will be $1.6 million dollars.
