Twins Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Joe Nathan and Matt Capps are up for grabs this off-season. Team General Manager Bill Smith says those players have earned the right to see what they can earn on the open market.

The Twins have declined Joe Nathan’s $12.5 million dollar option for 2012, and will buy out his contract for $2 million. Twins General Manger Bill Smith says he still has an interest in re-signing Nathan, who now becomes a free agent.

The Twins are expected to offer arbitration to free-agent outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel today. Both players are expected to decline the offer, but they can still sign with Minnesota. Offering arbitration assures the Twins draft pick compensation if either player signs with another team.

Matt Capps struggled through much of last season with the Twins, but that doesn't mean Minnesota doesn't want him back. Capps, a free-agent, could return to the Twins if he's given the closer role. Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer says the Twins valued Capps' toughness.

Now that the World Series is over, it's time for teams to beef up their rosters and sign a few free agents. Big question: What should the Twins do to bounce back from the 99-loss albatross that was 2011? Click here for the latest gossip and guesses from the Hot Stove League.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan says it would be "unrealistic" to think that both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel will be back with the Twins next season. Ryan expects talks between the Twins and Cuddyer and his agent to resume Thursday, or sometime in the near future.

La Velle Neal III of the Star Tribune reports the Twins are finalizing a deal with closer Matt Capps. Capps lost his closer role to Joe Nathan midway through last season. Neal also reports the Twins can't afford to sign Mark Buehrle, but will be making a strong push to re-sign Michael Cuddyer.

Star Tribune blogger Michael Rand examines the Twins opening day roster. Bottom line? There's a reason the club is 14 games under .500 on May 10.