Minnesota Twins: Analyzing the Twins’ options to rebuild the infield
By Chris Schad
Hitting the free-agent market hard
The issue with moving one player to another position is that it creates a hole somewhere else. In some cases, this could cause a player being uncomfortable with their new surroundings, but the Twins will have to deal with that if that situation arises. What they can do is analyze which positions have the most talent and plug him into the Twins already powerful lineup.
One option that the Twins have reportedly had contact with (per KSTP-TV’s Darren Wolfson) is Josh Donaldson. Although he will turn 34 on Sunday, Donaldson can still get the job done with his bat, slugging 37 home runs with the Atlanta Braves last season and providing an above-average performance defensively with a 2.4 UZR rating and 13 errors.
The Twins have also inquired about Todd Frazier to potentially play third base. As Frazier will also turn 34, he enjoyed a rebound season hitting .251 with the Mets, but showing a little less power with 21 HR in 499 at-bats. Defensively, he’s also serviceable at third, but could also mix in at first base and in the outfield to provide depth throughout the roster. Perhaps a Marwin Gonzalez lite?
Finally, the Twins may also keep their eyes open at first base, where they have inquired about Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, who has hit 185 home runs over the past five seasons in Japan, but has questions about his defense that could relegate him to a designated hitter role that’s already occupied by Nelson Cruz.
Basically, the Twins have to look at the market and decide which position has the most value and attack it. Then again, they could just take the aggressive approach and decide to go big.