Reports: Twins agree to deal with free-agent starter Phil Hughes
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have bolstered their starting rotation by signing right-hander Phil Hughes to a three-year, $24 million deal, according to multiple reports.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune was the first to report the deal.
Hughes, 27, spent his first seven years with the New York Yankees, where he compiled a 56-50 record with a 4.54 ERA in 182 games (132 starts). Hughes was an All-Star in 2010 as an 18-game winner for the Yankees, but had a down year in 2013 when he went 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA.
It's no surprise that the Twins have been pursuing pitching in the free-agent market this offseason. Minnesota's starting pitchers had a 5.26 ERA in 2013, easily the worst in all of baseball. Twins starters also pitched just 871 innings, fewest in the majors. Hughes has not had a 200-inning season in his career; his most in one season was 191 1/3 in 2012.
Minnesota also reportedly agreed to terms with veteran free agent Ricky Nolasco. The Twins have yet to confirm either deal, but the activity by Minnesota on the free-agent market is a sign that general manager Terry Ryan is serious about revamping the struggling rotation.
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