The Minnesota Twins made a significant move by acquiring outfielder Manuel Margot, along with minor league shortstop Rayne Doncon and cash, from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Dodgers received minor league shortstop Noah Miller. This trade was accompanied by the Dodgers announcing a $4 million, one-year contract extension for Kiké Hernández.
Margot, 29, had recently joined the Dodgers from the Tampa Bay Rays just two months ago, alongside starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow. With the Rays, Margot had a .264 batting average and a .686 OPS in 99 games last season, primarily playing center and right field. He has also seen time in left field.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised Margot as a player who can complement the team well against left-handed pitching and provide versatility in the outfield. Margot made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2016 and was their primary center fielder from 2017 to 2019 before being traded to the Rays. In his career, Margot has batted .255 with a .694 OPS, 52 home runs, and 91 stolen bases in 788 games.
Despite his age, Margot’s foot speed remains impressive, according to Baldelli. Margot is under a $19 million, two-year contract with the Rays, including a $10 million salary this season and a $12 million mutual option for 2025 with a $2 million buyout.
As part of the trade, the Rays agreed to send the Dodgers an additional $2 million toward Margot’s salary for 2024. The Twins will also receive this $4 million commitment from the Dodgers, along with additional funds to cover Margot’s salary. This trade comes as the Twins have reduced their payroll in 2024 due to a decrease in regional television revenue.
Margot is expected to replace Michael A. Taylor, who became a free agent after the 2023 season. Taylor had a career-high 21 home runs and played 126 games in center field last season while Byron Buxton was limited to designated hitter duties due to knee issues. With Buxton healthy again, he is set to be the regular center fielder, flanked by Matt Wallner in left and Max Kepler in right, with utilityman Willi Castro providing outfield depth.
The Twins had targeted Margot for his outstanding defensive skills in the outfield, particularly in the corners, and his ability to fill in at center field when Buxton is unavailable.
Doncon, a 20-year-old who played for Class A Rancho Cucamonga last season, was signed out of the Dominican Republic. Miller, 21, was the 36th overall pick by the Twins in the 2021 amateur draft and finished last season with Class A Cedar Rapids.
Hernández, 33, hit .237 with 11 home runs and 61 RBIs in 140 games with the Red Sox and Dodgers in 2023. He played all four infield and all three outfield positions. Hernández rejoined the Dodgers from Boston on July 25 and became a free agent after the World Series. He has played in 10 major league seasons, including parts of seven with the Dodgers.
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