"Whether free agents Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel re-sign with the Twins could depend on major league baseball's current labor contract negotiations.

Under the current labor deal, Cuddyer is a Type A free agent. That means a signing team would have to give the Twins a first-round draft pick in exchange.

Kubel is a Type B free agent, meaning the Twins would get a supplemental pick if he signs elsewhere.

Baseball hasn't determined what, if any, compensation there will be for teams losing free agents in the new labor deal, which could be finalized this week. The new basic agreement is expected to be for five years.

If there is less compensation in exchange for free agents in the new labor deal, Cuddyer's free-agency market could increase. The same for Kubel. The delay in a settlement is presumed to be the reason why the two haven't settled on new contracts.

Meanwhile, there's talk that Type B free-agent compensation might even be eliminated. That would increase Kubel's market value and probably increase the price for the Twins. "