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Free Agency Rumors: Twins Looking To Platoon Wily Mo Pena?

By Ted Schwerzler

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Looking at the needs for the Minnesota Twins this offseason, there has been two glaring issues needing to be addressed. Both a left fielder and starting pitching are likely the Twins biggest focuses, now it appears they may have a new name on their left field radar. Enter Wily Mo Pena.

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If you find yourself wondering exactly who that is, it might be time for somewhat of a history lesson. Wily Mo Pena, while only 33 years old, seams like he has been around forever. He played on the Cincinnati Reds team that fielded both Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin. He is seen as a big bat and someone with a considerable power stroke. However, he has not played in the major leagues since 2011, after which he went to Japan.

Now Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press is reporting that Pena could be a platoon option for the Twins alongside the likes of Jordan Schafer or Aaron Hicks.

Against left handed pitching in the major leagues, Pena has hit .275/.337/.455 in 650 plate appearances. While platoons weren’t something Ron Gardenhire was in favor of, Paul Molitor represents a different train of thought.

In his eight season at the major league baseball level, Wily Mo Pena has 85 home runs and 240 runs batted in. He would have a good enough power stroke to make Target Field look small and despite being in Japan, he proved he still has it. Last season he hit 32 home runs and drove in 90 runs while posting an .830 OPS.

Wily Mo Pena would likely be a low cost and low risk option for the Twins, with a decent amount of upside. If he was to platoon in left field, he could show some considerable returns even in limited playing time. Keep a close eye on the Twins here to see what steps they take.

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