Late on Monday night, the Minnesota Twins made a move to strengthen their roster and outfield depth for 2023, acquiring Michael A. Taylor from the Kansas City Royals.
In exchange, the Twins are sending relievers Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk back to Kansas City, the latter of whom was picked up at the trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals along with John Gant in exchange for veteran lefty J.A. Happ.
Taylor made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2014 and was on hand for the team’s improbable run to a World Series in 2019.
Jeff Passan of ESPN provided the news of the trade on Twitter.
The Minnesota Twins are acquiring centerfielder Michael A. Taylor in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, sources tell me and @kileymcd.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 23, 2023
After the 2020 season, Taylor left the Nationals and joined the Royals.
There, he became more of an everyday player, hitting 12 home runs in his first year with the team.
Last season, the 31-year-old hit .254 with nine home runs and 43 RBI.
After signing Joey Gallo and adding the veteran Taylor, the Twins have plenty of outfield depth, and could look to trade from it in order to add other pieces.
Players such as Max Kepler may be used as potential trade pieces.
But Taylor brings a veteran presence to a young Twins clubhouse, as well as some versatility in the outfield.
Taylor’s best season came in 2017, when he hit for a .271 average and popped 19 home runs.
The veteran outfielder is a career .241 hitter and has a lifetime OPS of .677.
Minnesota has been busy this offseason.
In addition to signing Gallo, they also signed catcher Christian Vazquez and retained shortstop Carlos Correa.
In addition, they acquired pitcher Pablo Lopez from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Luis Arraez.
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