The Minnesota Twins announced they have signed free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, according to the team press release.

The terms of the deal were not immediately announced, but multiple Internet reports say it’s a one-year deal worth $5 million.  The deal is believed to include award bonuses that would increase the value of the deal.

Hudson, 32, fills a need for the Twins at second base as well as the #2 hitter in the lineup between center fielder Denard Span and catcher Joe Mauer.

This signing almost certainly guarantees infielder Nick Punto will be starting at third base this year.  Punto has already shown that he can flourish as the everyday third baseman when almost forced into the role a few years back.

The addition of Hudson also means that a player will need to be removed from the 40-man roster.  That player is rumored to be either infielder’s Alexi Casilla, Matt Tolbert, Luke Hughes or pitcher Glen Perkins either through release or trade.

Update:  Ken Rosenthal (Fox Sports) via Twitter reports the Twins agreed not to offer Hudson arbitration if he becomes a Type-A free-agent at the end of the season.

The $5 million deal is also confirmed by a league official.

Tags: alexi casilla, Glen Perkins, Luke Hughes, Matt Tolbert, Nick Punto, orlando hudson