Former Twin Torii Hunter Returns to AL Central with Detroit Tigers

Minnesota Twins fans were hoping to see more of Torii Hunter at Target Field next season, but not like this.

There was a smattering of Twins fans who would have liked to see Hunter, 37, finish his career with the Minnesota Twins, but now the former All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner will be lacing up with the reigning American League Champion Detroit Tigers after agreeing to terms on a two-year contract (via ESPN).

Hunter will likely bat second in a lineup that scored 726 runs last season and will likely play right field.

With the Tigers hoping DH/C Victor Martinez can return from knee surgery, the first half of the Tigers lineup would include Austin Jackson, Hunter, Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Martinez.

With that potential lineup and stellar pitching behind Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Doug Fister, the Tigers are early favorites to win the American League pennant again.

Hunter hit.313 with an .817 OPS for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last season, contributing 16 homers and 92 RBI, including a .343 with an .854 OPS in 381 plate appearances when batting from the two hole.

Hunter played for the Twins for nine full seasons before spending the last five with the Angels.

No word yet on which number Hunter will wear in Detroit, with his familiar 48 currently being worn by pitcher Rick Porcello.