William Ladson (MLB.com) via Twitter said he learned from a baseball source that second baseman Orlando Hudson will not play for the Washington Nationals and that the baseball source told him that a deal is almost done between Hudson and the Minnesota Twins.

This comes minutes after a FoxSports.com report saying the Twins intensified their pursuit for Hudson.

We will of course keep everyone updated as soon as we get more information.

Update:  Looks as if the Cleveland Indians are now in the mix for Hudson.  Buster Olney (ESPN.com) via Twitter posted: “Wrote earlier in the week that the Twins were very serious about Hudson talks — and now it looks like a choice between Minnesota and Cleveland.” (02/04/10)

Update:  Joe Christensen (Star Tribune) via Twitter reports a source told him the Indians are outbidding the Twins for the services of Hudson.  “Baseball source told me Cleveland was outbidding Twins for Hudson, but I’m skeptical because Indians have been tight-fisted all winter.”

Kelly Thesier (MLB.com) said GM Bill Smith declined comment when asked about Hudson on Thursday, keeping with his policy of not discussing specific players. (02/04/10)

Update:  Buster Olney (ESPN.com) now reports Hudson and the Twins are on the verge of a one-year, $5 million deal, according to sources who told ESPN.com.  Olney said the details are being worked out on the contract, but Hudson has chosen the Twins over the Indians and Nationals.

Ken Rosenthal (FoxSports.com) via Twitter concurs. Rosenthal reports a one-year $5 million deal pending some”hurdles” and a physical.  (02/04/10)

Tags: orlando hudson