Twins sign Craig Breslow to minor-league deal

The Twins have agreed to a minor-league deal with lefty Craig Breslow, the reliever told FOX’s Ken Rosenthal. Breslow cited Twins’ Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey as a major factor in him accepting Minnesota’s offer over better financial offers from other clubs.

Breslow drew scouts from about 15 clubs during a showcase last month in Boston, impressing them with a new arm angle and increased strength. He was also linked strongly to the Blue Jays and Indians before coming to terms with Minnesota, though both of those clubs— Toronto with J.P. Howell and Cleveland with Boone Logan— decided to guarantee major-league contracts to available relievers. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Mets also reportedly had interest.

Breslow, 36, appeared in only 14 major-league innings last season, posting a 4.50 ERA in that span for the Marlins. After being released by the club, he spent three games with the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate before being released once again and ending his season in mid-August.

Breslow is a veteran of 11 major-league seasons with seven different clubs, including a stint with the Twins from 2008 to 2009. In that span, he posted a 2.89 ERA and struck out 43 in 53 innings of work.