Minnesota Twins: Transaction Catch-up November 17, 2017
By Nate Palmer
The Minnesota Twins early offseason involved a number of roster moves. Here is an update on where some players will continue their careers.
The Minnesota Twins have seen a lot of movement on their 40 man roster as they prepare for offseason events like free agent signings, trades, and the Rule 5 Draft. Whenever this type of shuffling of players occurs some players will end up outside of the organization.
These moves often happen in a bit of a flurry, and in case you missed any of these moves, here is a moment to get caught up on which players will continue to compete in the Twins organization and which were claimed or signed as free agents and will continue their careers with other teams.
Michael Tonkin has reportedly had his contract sold to the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional league. He will make more than he would have with the Twins as he is set to sign a two-year deal worth $2.1 million. Hopefully, Tonkin will gain some experience pitching in Japan and be able to return to the states and succeed in the majors.
Nik Turley was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being up and down between the Twins and minors, the Pirates will try to get success out of a pitcher the Twins couldn’t much like they have with Francisco Liriano and Vance Worley.
Niko Goodrum got a chance with the major league club this season but was sparingly used. After the Twins took him off the 40-man, Goodrum was able to become a free agent and signed with the Detroit Tigers.
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Ryan O’ Rourke spent 2017 on the disabled list after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The left-hander has found a new home after signing with the Baltimore Orioles.
Randy Rosario at age 23 struggled in his first taste of the major leagues. The Twins tried to put him through waivers where he was claimed by the Chicago Cubs.
Daniel Palka and his bat will be headed to Chicago’s south side and joining the White Sox after being claimed by their organization. Palka has always proven to have power and if given chance in the majors he will likely send some balls over the outfield fence.
Jelfrey Marte was involved in one of the stranger news stories from the Twins this offseason. It has recently been revealed that Marte’s $3 million contract was voided by the Twins due to a failed physical. Prevailing thoughts, for now, is it had something to do with his vision. What is most interesting about the move is those $3 million have put the Twins in a great spot to try to bring Shohei Ohtani to Minnesota.