It appears that free agent Carl Pavano and the Minnesota Twins are putting the finishing touches on the pitcher’s next contract, according to the Star Tribune’s Joe Christensen.

General manager Bill Smith said, “I think we’re in the home stretch here.”

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reported on Monday that the sides could get a two-year deal one by the middle of the week.  The contract was delayed because the Twins had been focused on the arbitration deadline.

Last week, it was reported that the Twins and Pavano were close to a two-year deal.  The Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds were other teams believed to be possibilities for the 34-year-old pitcher.