The dominoes began to fall Tuesday, leaving the Rockies in better position to land free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer. They have made a three-year contract offer, and Cuddyer’s top suitors, the Twins, are prepared to move on after agreeing in principle with free agent Josh Willingham.

The amount of the Rockies’ bid for Cuddyer is unknown, but it’s likely in the $25 million to $27 million range, considering the market and the Twins’ offer to Cuddyer, who hasn’t ruled out returning to Minnesota. As of Tuesday night, the Rockies were waiting to hear back from Cuddyer’s camp, unsure if their chances increased on landing the 32-year-old who can play corner outfield and infield positions. He has several suitors. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Cuddyer isn’t likely to decide until the end of the week.

Armed with financial flexibility, the Rockies are pursuing multiple players beyond Cuddyer, expressing interest in free-agent switch hitter Carlos Beltran and left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders.

Adding a middle-of-the-order bat and a veteran starting pitcher remain top priorities. The Rockies identified Cuddyer as a top target at season’s end. They like his versatility and his power from the right side. Having spent his entire career with the Twins, Cuddyer made his first all-star team last season, when he hit .284 with 20 home runs, 70 RBIs and 51 extra-base hits.

The Rockies stepped up their pursuit of Cuddyer last Thursday after netting about $9 million in salary relief in separate trades of reliever Huston Street and third baseman Ian Stewart. Rockies players have reached out to the outfielder. Cuddyer projects as a No. 5 hitter behind shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, leaving Todd Helton to hit sixth and new catcher Ramon Hernandez seventh.

Beltran emerged as a new target Tuesday, as first reported by CBS Sportsline. Beltran, 34, regained his health last season playing right field for the Mets and later the Giants. He hit .300 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs and had a .380 on-base percentage. Beltran, who has changed agents from Scott Boras to Dan Lozano, has interest from the Giants, Cardinals and Red Sox.

If the Rockies sign Cuddyer or Beltran, it would leave them the option of trading outfielder Seth Smith for pitching. Colorado has talked to the Braves about right-hander Jair Jurrjens and to the Mets regarding lefty Jonathan Niese. The Rockies also have Boston infielder Marco Scutaro on their radar. The Red Sox asked for Smith last year in trade talks involving Ubaldo Jimenez. The Rockies have a void at second base and are looking for bullpen depth.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter@troyrenck