Minnesota Twins Trying to Add More Infield Depth, Specifically SS

Although the Minnesota Twins offseason has been slow and unexciting, the past few days have included a pair of pretty big moves. Danny Coulombe rejoined the club to provide the bullpen with a lefty. Harrison Bader hopped aboard to provide Byron Buxton insurance.

The Twins are probably tapped out on funds right now, but assuming they can make some moves, they’d like to shuffle the roster a bit more. Infield help remains a focus.

Shortstop help a focus for the MN Twins

Last season the Minnesota Twins experienced a period where they were without star shortstop Carlos Correa. It wasn’t fun. Brooks Lee, Willi Castro, and Royce Lewis can all man the position, but are lesser fits. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes is reporting that the club is looking for additional options.

“Multiple league sources confirmed the Twins have expressed interest in adding a veteran shortstop, recently inquiring about free agents Luis Urías and Paul DeJong…Were they to add a shortstop, the Twins may need to trim payroll via a trade.”

The Twins are currently past the $140 million threshold in payroll. The could necessitate a trade of someone like Christian Vazquez or Chris Paddack. Maybe a shortstop comes back in one of those deals. It is hard to see either Urias or DeJong commanding significant dollars, though.

Dan Hayes on the Twins free agency plans (The Athletic)

Possible additions

Urias played just 41 games for the Seattle Mariners last season. His .191/.303/.394 slash line did result in a 105 OPS+ and he had a couple of nice seasons in Milwaukee. As a defender he has never posted positive advanced metrics at shortstop, but contributes well at second and third.

Paul DeJong game-tying home run off of Josh Hader in the 9th inning! pic.twitter.com/HlL9bDqXfQ

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 31, 2024

Former Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong played in the AL Central last season for the White Sox and Royals. Across 139 games (primarily with Chicago) he owned a .227/.276/.427 line. His 24 home runs were the third-highest in his eight-year career, and he is a decent slugger.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sign Gold Glove Outfielder

Despite being worth -9 DRS (defensive runs saved) last season, he has otherwise produced positive defensive metrics at shortstop. In 2109 he had 24 DRS and 7 OAA (outs above average).

It’s somewhat curious where an infield addition would fit on the roster while Willi Castro remains present. The easy assumption is that 2024 rookie Austin Martin could begin the year in St. Paul.

Either way, it’s great to see the Minnesota Twins working to create additional depth. Injuries and ineffectiveness sank them down the stretch a season ago.