Torii Hunter Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star Outfielder

Torii Hunter's services were pursued by several teams this winter, but the veteran outfielder surprised some with his decision to return to where his career began.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, it was announced that Hunter would return to where he played the first 11 seasons of his MLB career after signing a one year, $10.5 million deal with the Minnesota Twins, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Continue for updates.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Hunter to Sign With Twins

Rangers Join Race for Hunter

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, a new team has entered the fray to sign Torii Hunter:

Twins, Royals Still In Pursuit

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, two other clubs are still looking to land Hunter: 

Monday, Dec. 1

Hunter Wants to Make Decision Before Winter Meetings

LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports on when Torii Hunter plans on making a decision and one team that is still in the mix:

Sunday, Nov. 30

Hunter Comments on Teams He's Considering

Mark Whicker of OCRegister.com provided a synopsis from Hunter discussing his free agency, while Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported an additional team considering Hunter's services:

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Hunter Speaks on Free Agency Conundrum

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Torii Hunter talked about the choice he faces as a free agent:

Sunday, Nov. 23

Hunter Favors Twins

Charley Walters of TwinCities.com stated stated Hunter "favors the Twins among teams with which he is considering signing and that he could make a decision in a week or so." before also providing Hunter's comments:

"

(Twins general manager) Terry Ryan and I have talked several times, and there's definitely a common interest there, for sure.

[...]

There are so many reasons. You talk about the love from the fans and the love I have for the fans and the organization, growing up there. I came there as a young boy and came out a man. I always hold true to Minnesota Twins values I was taught. 

"

Friday, Nov. 21

Giants, Orioles Considering Hunter as Option

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick has the latest on potential suitors for Hunter:

Thursday, Nov. 20

Blue Jays Join Hunter Race

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that a new team has joined the race for Torii Hunter:

Friday, Nov. 14

Dave Dombrowski Doesn't Think Tigers Retain Hunter

MLB.com's Jason Beck has the latest on Hunter:

Tuesday, Nov. 4 

Twins Express Interest in Hunter

Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com reported the latest on Hunter:

"

... one player the Twins have already expressed interest in is outfielder Torii Hunter, per a source.

Teams were allowed to reach out to agents last week, but contractual terms can't be discussed until late Monday night/Tuesday.

The Twins have made a few calls, including to Hunter's representatives.

[...]

Word has it that Hunter has thought previously about finishing his career where it began -- he was the Twins' first round pick in 1993. 

"

Hunter's best years might be behind him, but the veteran has still contributed at a high level over the last several seasons. The 39-year-old has a .295 average, 34 home runs and 167 RBI over the last two years with the Tigers.

When Detroit's season came to an end, Hunter spent time watching his sons play college football, but still pondered his return to baseball. Hunter spoke about returning during the 2015 season, via Chris Iott of MLive.com:

"

I really want to play with the Tigers, but if not I understand ... There's definitely a good chance I will play again though. ...

Playing for a contender is very important to me, but taking a lesser role will be hard for me when my core numbers are pretty good, not just for a guy that's 39 years old but also for a 22-year-old player.

"

Along with his bat, Hunter's glove is typically a huge reason for his success. He struggled during the first few months of the season in Detroit last year, but stepped up when the team needed him down the stretch.

During his career, Hunter has won nine gold glove awards, but hasn't taken one since 2009 with the Los Angeles Angels. Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press passed along his thoughts on Hunter's value for a team:

"

His outfield range has significantly diminished from his Gold Glove days but Hunter largely made the plays that needed to be made. ...

He is lauded for his professionalism on the field and leadership off the field but could be stuck in a situation where the Tigers could not guarantee the playing time nor paycheck necessary for Hunter to consider another year in Detroit the right situation.

"

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

It's not clear which team Hunter will play for during the 2015 campaign, but he wants to sign with a contender. Having never won a title, he would be 40 years old by the time the playoffs roll around next season.

Still able to contribute even at his advanced age, look for Hunter to excel again next year. Whether he lands with the Tigers, Twins or another franchise, Hunter might be a piece to help push a team over the top.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.