Colorado Rockies to Sign Michael Cuddyer

Jon Heyman from CBS Sports is reporting that the Colorado Rockies have agreed to sign free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer. The agreement is for three years and worth $31.5mm, according to Heyman.

In the last few days the Rockies have become the front runners for Cuddyer's services. Other interested teams had been the Philadelphia Phillies and the Minnesota Twins. The Rockies had wanted Cuddyer all along, thus clearing payroll by trading away Huston Street and Ian Stewart in separate deals.

The Rockies had also been pursuing Carlos Beltran, but he was likely viewed as an alternative to Cuddyer. This could create more potential suitors for his services with Cuddyer now gone. This also means that the Rockies now will likely trade Seth Smith to a team that could use a platoon corner outfielder.

It became obvious that the Twins would move on from Cuddyer when they signed Josh Willingham. Now they will also get two draft picks from the Rockies for signing Cuddyer. Cuddyer will likely be the right fielder in Colorado but can also play first base.