Free-agent Michael Cuddyer was in Philadelphia on Tuesday for a recruiting visit with the Phillies, sources confirmed to CSNPhilly.com.
FOX 29 Philadelphia first reported Cuddyers visit.
According to sources, Cuddyer toured Citizens Bank Park and had lunch with Phillies officials. He also met with manager Charlie Manuel, who flew in from Florida.
Cuddyer, who will turn 33 in March, hit .276 while averaging 22 homers and 82 RBIs the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins.
The Phillies like Cuddyers right-handed bat and his versatility. He can play both corner infield spots and both corner outfield spots. He can also play some second base.
The Phils are in need of depth at first base and in leftfield. First baseman Ryan Howard, recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, is expected to open the season on the disabled list. Its possible the Phils could use leftfielder John Mayberry Jr. at first while Howard mends. If that happens, Cuddyer would be valuable in left field -- if the Phils can sign him.
It is unclear whether the Phils made an offer to Cuddyer, but several sources have said the team is eager to sign him. Cuddyer is close with recently signed Jim Thome, a former Minnesota teammate, and that could work in the Phillies favor.
MLB
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. likes to strike quickly in the off-season. In addition to Cuddyer, Amaro is also pursuing a pair of free-agent closersRyan Madson and Jonathan Papelbon. The Phils could sign one of them soon, sources say.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com