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Josh Willingham was claimed off waivers by an unknown team according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
The source did not reveal which team has been awarded the waiver claim, but only one team has the right to negotiate a trade for the 34-year-old slugger. If more than one team claimed Willingham, the American League team with the worst record on Monday, when he was placed on waivers, would be given the claim; if no A.L. team claimed him, then N.L. teams, again in reverse order of standings, would be granted the claim.
The Twins have three options for Willingham: work out a trade with the claiming team, pull him off waivers or let Willingham go for nothing. Willingham is making $7M for 2013 and is due $1.1M for the rest of the season. In addition, he is owed another $7M next season, the third season of a three year deal he signed with the Twins in before the 2012 season.
Willingham's salary for next season will be increased by $1M next year if he gets to 525 plate appearances. So far this season, he has batted 378 times this season.
The 34-year old left fielder has been bothered by a knee injury this year and underwent surgery on it in July. This season, he has batted a career-low .215 with 12 home runs. 45 RBI and a .347 OBP.