Torii Hunter likely to head to a contender

The free agent wire has been buzzing this morning with the news that the Texas Rangers are pushing hard for Torii Hunter. And that's not a surprise. But with Hunter apparently looking to make a decision soon, where there's smoke in these circumstances there is often fire.

Also told that Hunter is still talking to other clubs, and plans to make his decision "soon.'' #rangers

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 2, 2014

Mike Berardino chimed in at roughly the same time with a pair of telling tweets.

Source w/one of several teams still in Torii Hunter sweepstakes: "He wants to sign with a contender."

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 2, 2014

Source doubts Torii Hunter signs w/#MNTwins or any non-contender: "He's gonna dance with 'em for awhile, then go home with the one he wants"

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 2, 2014

We went over the other potential suitors for Hunter on Sunday night, and with the Nelson Cruz signing for Seattle it's the Rangers that are starting to look like the best fit. With a healthy team, Texas could quite easily bounce back in 2015 and contend.

This could be the final contract Hunter signs. If he has a chance at a championship, he needs to take it - and that's the best thing for the Twins, too.