Twins give Morneau, Cuddyer new contracts

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Twins Friday signed first baseman Justin Morneau and outfielder Michael Cuddyer to long-term contracts.

Cuddyer, who was eligible for arbitration, earned $3.5 million last season, but was seeking a $6.2 million. The Twins had filed for $4.7 million.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported being told by a source that he would receive $23 million over three years and his new deal could reach $35 million if the Twins add an option for a fourth year.

The team said on its Web site that Morneau will get $80 million for six years.

Last season, Morneau batted .276 with 31 home runs and 111 RBI. Cuddyer batted .276 with 16 homers and drove in 81 runs.

Morneau is Minnesota's first player to hit 30 homers in back-to-back seasons since Gary Gaetti did it in 1986-1987.

"There's nowhere I'd rather play," Morneau said at a news conference to announce the signings Friday afternoon.