Phil Hughes drawing strong interest, likely to get two-year deal

With top options like Tim Hudson, Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco off the board, the markets for other free agent starting pitchers are starting to develop. According to George A. King III of the New York Post, right-hander Phil Hughes is drawing interest from the Twins, Royals, Mariners and Angels, and is likely to get a multi-year contract to join one of their rotations.

After adding Nolasco on a four-year contract on Wednesday, the Twins are likely to turn their attention to signing Hughes, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. A source notes that the addition of Nolasco is unlikely to impact Minnesota's pursuit of Bronson Arroyo, who is drawing interest from many teams around the league. The team is expected to add another starter to their weak rotation before spring training opens in February.

King notes that the Mets have expressed interest in signing Hughes to a one-year deal, but his apparent ability to secure a two-year deal likely takes them out of the running. Reports earlier in the week indicated that the Marlins were also interested in signing the 27-year old, who is a free agent for the first time.

In 29 starts for the Yankees in 2013, Hughes posted a 4-14 record and 5.19 ERA in 145.2 innings. While those numbers seem to make him a perfect candidate to look for a one-year contract to re-establish value for another go at free agency next winter, Hughes seems to be looking to maximize years and value this offseason.