Another Former Minnesota Twin Returning
New Manager Derek Shelton and the Minnesota Twins begin reporting to Fort Myers for the start of 2026 Spring Training this week and plenty of question marks still surround the new squad, after team president Derek Falvey “mutually parted ways” with the organization.
The Twins still need way more reliever help, even beyond their plan to convert a couple of young starters to the bullpen. On offense, they lack proven bats. On defense, you can make an argument they do not employ an MLB-caliber shortstop.
Unfortunately, with little to no funds and a new Pohlad leader who talks big, but walks cheap… the Minnesota Twins have no choice but to shop in the clearance aisle, in order to address a 40-man roster riddled with holes and redundancies.
Gio Urshela back to the Minnesota Twins
None of that is a surprise to anyone who’s been following this club, of late. However, it is worth noting that this new-look front office seems to have an affinity for former Twins.
Earlier this offseason, they brought Taylor Rogers back, to try and fix the bullpen. On Monday, they brought back infielder Gio Urshela, who played 144 games in a MN Twins uniform back in 2022.
Twins have signed Gio Urshela to a minor league deal.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 9, 2026
Urshela initially joined the Twins from the Yankees in the Josh Donaldson trade and was their primary third baseman in 2022. He was traded to the Angels the next winter.
Now he's 34 and hasn't hit much the past three years.
Urshela, now 34 years old, helped Rocco Baldelli’s 2022 Twins club finish a frustrating 78-84, but he played a career-high 144 games, posting a 119 OPS+, with 27 doubles, 13 home runs and a .285/.338/.429 slash line.
But that was the last time Urshela — 10-year MLB veteran — looked like a competent big leaguer. The past three seasons have all been underwhelming. In 59 games last year as an Athletic, Urshela bottomed out with a 71 OPS+.
What are the Twins doing?
There’s never a bad minor league deal, especially considering Minnesota is out nothing if and when he doesn’t make the roster. Still, the signing of Urshela is a curious one, seeing as how difficult a path to playing should be.
The Twins’ 40-man is already riddled with borderline big league infield talent — with Eric Wagaman, Ryan Kreidler, and Tristan Gray all taking up spots. Orlando Arcia (who has over 1000 MLB games played) signed his own minor league deal recently too.
Urshela has really never played anywhere but corner infield. Last year with the A’s, Urshela was worth -7 DRS (defensive runs saved) and -3 OAA (outs above average) so he isn’t coming to fill any defensive holes..
Related: MN Twins Owner Goes Full-Pohlad; Derek Shelton Already on Hot Seat?
Royce Lewis is Minnesota’s starter at third base, and any number of players could back him up. On the other side, they just signed Josh Bell this offseason as their full-time first baseman.
Kody Clemens — who played a lot of first base last summer and proved he belongs on an MLB roster — is another option on the right side. Newly acquired Victor Caratini — who mostly plays catcher — could be sprinkled into the first base fold too.
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