MLB Free Agency 2011: Michael Cuddyer Expected To Sign With Colorado Rockies On Friday, According To Report

Read More: Josh Willingham (LF - MIN), Michael Cuddyer (RF - COL), Carlos Beltran (RF - STL), Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies have been aggressively pursuing free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer in recent weeks and are known to prefer Cuddyer to fall-back option Carlos Beltran, and now the team is very close to signing Cuddyer to a long-term deal on Friday, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Here is exactly what Renck had to say, via Twitter:

Rockies, barring any surprises, hope to wrap up Cuddyer signing today. All signs pointing toward them landing the free agent

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) December 16, 2011

Cuddyer is looking to make more than $30 million over three years, and so far the Rockies have made themselves finalists for his services by initially outbidding his former team, the Minnesota Twins, who offered three-years, $25 million and then took themselves out of the bidding by signing Josh Willingham on Thursday. The veteran outfielder will turn 33 next year, and has spent the last 11 seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He hit .284/.346/.459 with 20 home runs and 70 RBI in 2011.    

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