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Free Agency: Twins In On Asdrubal Cabrera

By Ted Schwerzler |

Although the Winter Meetings have officially come to a close, baseball fans need not fear, the stove is still plenty hot. Although it seemed the only moves left for the Twins would be a potential free agent reliever, it looks like they are in on a former AL Central infielder as well. Asdrubal Cabrera, formerly of the Indians, is apparently on their radar.

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Cabrera has been looking for his next suitor for the past few weeks, and his name was only brought up occasionally during the Winter Meetings, but the market may be heating up again. Jon Heyman is reporting that the Twins are amongst the teams interested in his services.

The Giants and Athletics have big holes to fill at third base having lost Pablo Sandoval and Josh Donaldson respectively. For Minnesota, it would stand to reason that there would be no way Brian Dozier would be bumped from second base, and that Cabrera would also not take over third base for Trevor Plouffe.

Currently, the Twins have Danny Santana penciled in as their opening day starter at shortstop, and the lineup appears to be filled out, but some shuffling could be done. The likeliest scenario to play out should the Twins sign Cabrera, would be Santana taking over in center and Aaron Hicks starting the season down in Rochester. Eduardo Escobar would be the de facto utility man for the club as well. The unfortunate situation for Hicks would be in that move potentially signifying the end of his chances at being an every day player at the major league level.

Following his demotion last season, Hicks showed promise in Double and Triple-A, but that success has yet to translate to the big league level. With Byron Buxton knocking on the door for center field, a spot would be found for Santana, but one may not be available for Hicks.

Last season between the Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals, the 28 year old hit .241/.307/387. 2011 and 2012 saw Cabrera named as a back-to-back All-Star along with winning a Silver Slugger in 2012. He has tailed off his production since then, but at 29, should still bring plenty to the table for a big league ballclub.

For what it’s worth, based on other suitors, I don’t see much chance the Twins have in signing Asdrubal Cabrera. The Giants remain the most logical fit, and the Twins could create an unnecessary log jam at a position where it isn’t needed.

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