Twins Jordan Schafer, a Tale of Two Seasons
The Minnesota Twins made a move for some outfield depth over the summer when they acquired Jordan Schafer from the Atlanta Braves. Schafer had fallen out of favor with Atlanta due to early season struggles, and while being designated for assignment, the Twins made their move. They couldn’t be happier.
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As it stands right now, Schafer is at the most optimal comparison point during his 2014 season. While he played in 63 games for the Braves, and has only played in 25 for the Twins, Jordan Schafer had 93 plate appearances with Atlanta and sits at 92 for the Twins.
His season has most definitely been two completely different stories for two very different teams. For Atlanta, Schafer hit .163/.256/.213 scoring nine runs and swiping 15 bases. He struck out 20 times while walking only 10. However, since joining the Twins, Schafer has hit .321/.398/.410 with 14 runs scored, 10 runs batted in, 11 stolen bases and keeping his strikeout to walk ratio at 11/10.
Call it a change of scenery, or maybe something can be attributed to Tom Brunansky‘s hitting instruction, but whatever the case may be, Minnesota has to be thrilled. The Twins entered 2014 lacking outfield depth, and while getting Tommy Milone back, dealing Sam Fuld meant the Twins would be even thinner.
Jordan Schafer has been a very integral part of the Twins outfield in 2014 and he very may well have played himself into a roster spot in 2015. He will be arbitration eligible next year, and likely will compete with Aaron Hicks for left field playing time once Byron Buxton makes his debut.
At any rate, 2015 aside, Jordan Schafer has been everything the Twins thought they were getting in him, and much, much more. It is somewhat exciting when a signing like this goes so well for the hometown team.