All offseason I’ve been preaching that patience should be
exhibited in regards to the Minnesota Twins. Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have
earned the benefit of doubt and shown that they are sound decision makers. Tonight,
that came to fruition.
After *missing* out on Marcus Semien as one of the
interested parties, they quickly pivoted to the best defender in this free
agent class. Andrelton Simmons, formerly of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles
Angels, the Platinum Glove defender makes a tandem of sorts with Byron Buxton.
He’s been worth 191 defensive runs saved over the course of his career. Paired
with Josh Donaldson on the left side of Minnesota’s infield, opposing batters
will face a black hole.
As important as signing Simmons is, it’s also what the
acquisition does for the roster construction of the Twins that makes a bigger
splash. Jorge Polanco has been miscast as a shortstop for the entirety of his
big-league career. His range is limited, and the arm strength has been
problematic. Moving him to second base, he brings an offensive prowess that the
position is often void of, and he moves a career 121 OPS+ hitter in Luis Arraez
to super utility. Minnesota satisfied two separate needs with this one
decision.
Sure, it’s Polanco’s move to the other side of the diamond
that will draw the immediate interest but being able to deploy Arraez all over
the field is a great boost for Rocco Baldelli. The favorite to win a batting
title can now spell guys on a regular basis, play corner outfield, and fill in
at both second and third base. Arraez was initially mentioned as a trade chip
to acquire pitching, and while I do still think the Twins flip players for
another arm, this role seems to perfect of a fit for him to part with.
Now that there’s some roster certainty thanks to Simmons
sorting out the infield, there should be little waiting for Minnesota when it
comes to Nelson Cruz. The reunion has always seemed like a logical one, and the
designated hitter has been reported as not being universal for the upcoming
season.
We’ve waited all winter for moves to happen, and this Simmons
signing feels like a dam breaking decision that gets the ball rolling in terms
of locking everything else up. The Twins may look at holdovers on the relief
market, but I’d hardly be shocked if their DH and starting pitching options
aren’t decided upon quickly.
The White Sox raced out to start the offseason, and the
Padres have taken plenty of the spotlight, but this is a move that puts
Minnesota right back on top of the Central.
