Buckner Is Expected to Sign With Twins, According to His Wife

First baseman Bill Buckner, recently released by the Boston Red Sox, will sign with the Minnesota Twins next week if he clears waivers, his wife said.

Texas Ranger Manager Bobby Valentine said that Jody Buckner told him her husband expects to be the Twins’ designated hitter, the Minneapolis Star and Tribune reported Saturday.

That was news to Minnesota Executive Vice President Andy MacPhail.

“We’re interested and he’s interested,” MacPhail said of Buckner, 37. “As far as I know, he hasn’t made any commitment other than what he’s told his wife. We have expressed interest in him because we’re not happy with the way our offense is producing.”