The Rockies didn't waste much time using the payroll flexibility they created Tuesday afternoon to move close to a two-year deal with free-agent first baseman Justin Morneau on Tuesday night.

A Major League source told MLB.com that the Rockies and Morneau were in serious talks that were progressing, but they had not reached an agreement. Media reports placed the potential two-year deal at $13 million. The Rockies, who traded Dexter Fowler and his $7.35 million salary to the Astros earlier Tuesday, have yet to make an official announcement.

Morneau, 32, would take over as the primary first baseman for the newly retired Todd Helton. Morneau has spent most of his career with the Twins and was one of the Majors' best slugging first basemen before he suffered a debilitating concussion in 2010 and dealt with injuries through 2011.

Last season, he hit a combined .259 with 17 home runs and 77 RBIs with the Twins and Pirates. His 152 regular-season games, plus six playoff games with the Pirates, were a sign that he has regained his health.