Twins execute their patented Spring Training trade

 

One thing I simply love about this Twins front office is their ability to constantly keep me guessing. There were, of course all sorts of signs that the organization was looking for right handed depth. They were rumored to be in the market for Enrique Hernandez, Adam Duvall or a reunion with Michael A Taylor to complete that quest and instead of simply making an easy free agency signing, they swung a trade with the Dodgers for Manuel Margot. Surprise! 

Margot offers the Twins exactly what they were looking for. Margot offers a little bit of defensive versatility in the outfield, from the right side of the plate and will only cost the Twins $4m in salary this season. They also swapped prospects, with both being at about the same prospect level rating, but the Twins new player, Rayne Doncon, potentially being a slower burn than Noah Miller, who went to LA.

Margot is probably exactly what the Twins needed to round out their offensive side of the roster. They needed a right handed bat that could platoon with Matt Wallner or defensively in center when Buxton isn't able to play. Margot has some injury history, but getting him off of the Tampa Bay turf will do a world of good for him. 

The obvious comparison is between Margot and Taylor, since Taylor was the featured center fielder last year, and had a career year in the role. Taylor wanted to come back, and seemed to be a good clubhouse fit, but the mechanics of a reunion simply wouldn't have worked as well as the deal for Margot. 

Taylor will rightfully want and earn $10-12m per season, and perhaps a two year deal. After a career year at the plate last year, he would likely also want a starting spot, if he could find one, which is not as likely to be available in Minnesota this year with Buxton coming in fully healthy. For his part, Margot profiles as a similar hitter to Taylor, but with fewer strikeouts, which is great news for everyone sick of the Twins striking out all the time last year. 

This works out well for the Twins, Margot (who is still getting paid his $10m salary) and even Taylor, who will get a good opportunity for a salary he earned, just not in Minnesota.