It’s been a bittersweet week for Minnesota Twins fans.
The team traded for a potential star pitcher in Pablo Lopez in a deal that was much better than initially anticipated. But the price paid for Lopez and top prospect Jose Salas was fan favorite Luis Arraez.
Arraez was traded to the Miami Marlins on Friday, ending his tenure with the Twins on the highest possible note. He was an All-Star in 2022 and led the American League in batting with .316 average and a 12.7 at-bats per strikeout.
More than that, Arraez was beloved by fans in Minnesota. He brought the type of energy that older fans remember from the lovable 2000s teams and bridged the gap with a new school of fans ready to embrace the next chapter for the franchise.
On his way out the door, Arraez made sure to do more than command a high price in a trade. He thanked Twins fans in a truly heartfelt message on Twitter.
Thank you Minnesota twins 🇻🇪🤘🏽🥹❤️🙏🏽🦾 pic.twitter.com/S9NF9NcEg9
— Luis Arraez (@Arraez_21) January 21, 2023
Is it just me, or did it get a little dusty in here?
In a way, Arraez’s departure is the parting gift in helping set up that new era for the Twins. Lopez could be a top ace Minnesota has long needed, one who could form a dynamic duo with Joe Ryan to fulfill the Johan Santana-Francisco Liriano prophecy. Salas is a Top 100 prospect and could be a key part of the next generation of Twins stars who are up-and-coming in the farm system.
Arraez loved Twins fans as much as he was beloved, that much is undeniable. His mark on the team will remain long after the season starts with him down in Miami and not at Target Field.