The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded outfielder Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins, reports Juan Torbio of MLB.com. The Dodgers will receive infield prospect Noah Miller in return. Margot, 29, came to Los Angeles alongside Tyler Glasnow in a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. He owns a .255/.309/.385 slash line with 52 home runs, 91 steals and 283 RBI in eight seasons with the Rays and San Diego Padres.
Minnesota has been on the hunt for a right-handed hitting outfielder who could play all three spots. They were connected to free agents including Adam Duvall and Kiké Hernández. Although, it seems they have found a deal to their interest on the trade front, probably ending those free agent pursuits.
Manuel Margot Traded to the Twins
Margot’s two-year, $19 million deal expires at the end of the season. However, there is a team option for 2025 that’s worth $12 million. In Margot, the Twins get the right-handed bat they’ve needed, while buying low on a player who’s had a history of knee injuries. He missed a majority of the 2022 season due to a strain in his right knee, limited to just 363 plate appearances. That turned out to be a decent .274/.325/.375 slash when he was healthy.
Margot will provide the Twins with insurance if another injury occurs to Byron Buxton.
Noah Miller Profile
Miller was the No. 36 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. He was ranked No. 23 on MLB Pipeline’s last ranking of Minnesota’s top 30 prospects. The younger brother of Owen Miller owns a .644 OPS with 12 home runs and 36 steals in 250 minor league games, finishing out 2023 at High-A. Miller can play at shortstop and the Dodgers will see if they can get more out of him offensively. But his defensive abilities is worth nothing, showing off solid instincts. He is capable of ranging to the hole, up the middle and in for slow choppers and rollers. He posted a .984 field percentage in 446 total chances, helping turn 54 double players and 295 assists.
Miller is coming off winning the Rawlings Gold Glove for his defensive play at shortstop.
Ensuing Move for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are bringing back the utility man on a one-year contract. Hernández, spent seven seasons with Los Angeles, signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2021. He was dealt back to the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline. The 32-year-old hit .237 with 11 home runs and 61 RBI in 140 games with Los Angeles and Boston. He has some experience at each defensive position, excluding pitcher and catcher.
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