Twins Add Infield Depth, Sign Veteran Donovan Solano

[Seth Stohs]

While you were driving home from work, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Minnesota Twins have signed veteran infielder Donovan Solano to a major-league contract. Details still unknown. 

Image courtesy of Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins front office started the offseason by dealing Gio Urshela to the Los Angeles Angeles. Soon after, the traded recent-40-man roster addition Casey Legumina to the Reds for infielder Kyle Farmer. The latter was the likely primary shortstop until the Twins were able to bring back Carlos Correa on a six-year, $200 million deal. That moved Farmer into more of a utility role, able to play all four infield spots, potentially a little outfield, and be the third catcher. Jose Miranda was moving to third base. Jorge Polanco will be at second base. The hope is that Alex Kirilloff will be the primary first baseman.

The infield depth was solid, especially considering Royce Lewis could return to the lineup by mid-summer, about the time that prospects such as Austin Martin and Brooks Lee might be deemed ready for the big leagues. In fact, the front office used that depth to acquire starting pitcher Pablo Lopez from the Marlins, with a couple of prospects, in exchange for Luis Arraez. 

So, it is certainly intriguing that the Twins would add the 35-year-old Donovan Solano on a big-league deal. 

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The timing is certainly interesting. It could make a logical, overthinker like myself to wonder if there is an injury. Or, could a trade be coming? Those are logical thoughts. It's also possible that they believe that he can play enough places to make himself a solid contributor in a role. 

Let's start by looking back at the career of Donovan Solano to this point. While he's played in the big leagues, maybe some don't follow the National League or teams with homes outside of Minneapolis. 

The St. Louis Cardinals signed him when he was 16 years old in 2004. He remained in their organization through the 2011 season, having spent some time at Triple-A. As a minor-league free agent, he signed with the Florida Marlins. The Marlins called him up in late May and he played in 93 games for them. He topped the 100-games-played plateau in 2013 and 2014 despite playing multiple positions. In 2016, he played in 55 games with the Marlins before being released. He signed with the Yankees for the 2016 season and played in nine games while wearing the pinstripes. In 2017, he spent his whole Age-29 season at Triple-A. The Dodgers signed him in 2018 and he again played in Triple-A. 

He was kind of at a career crossroads. The Giants signed him in 2019 and sent him to Triple-A, but something happened. He got called up and in 81 games, he hit .33 with 13 doubles and four home runs. In the Covid-shortened 2020 season, he hit .326 with 15 doubles and three home runs in 54 games. He won a Silver Slugger Award. 

 

In 2021, he played in 101 games for the Giants and hit .280 with 17 doubles and seven home runs. Last year, he signed with the Reds, and in 80 games, he hit .284 with 16 doubles and four homers. He was a teammate in 2022 with Tyler Mahle and Kyle Farmer. Farmer and Solano both played around the infield for the Reds last year, especially after the team called up Spencer Steer in August. 

While he has played all four infield positions, he has primarily played second base in the big leagues. 368 of his 463 career starts (79.5%) have come at second base. If you've been listening to the Gleeman and the Geek podcast or John's recent Caretaker audio posts, you know that the Twins have said that Jorge Polanco will be brought along slowly and as his knee is ready. Speculation (fair or not) might be that the Twins just want to make sure they have another option there.  

While we don't know the dollars of the deal, it won't be real high. Last year, he made $4.5 million with the Reds. This late in spring training, odds are that you can guess the Twins will play him maybe half of that and possibly provide incentives to it. 

The other side of the transaction is also not yet known. The Twins roster is already at 40 players. To make room for Solano, someone will need to be removed from the 40-man roster. Most likely, the Twins will make room for Solano by placing Royce Lewis (or maybe Chris Paddack) on the 60-Day IL. 

(This post will be updated as we learn more about the transaction.) 

Your turn. Share your thoughts on this free-agent signing. Do you think it's a good move? Do you think it indicates something else? Leave your COMMENTS below.  

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[Cory Engelhardt]

My guess; Paddack to the 60 day, and it gives insurance for Polanco (like you mentioned) and a right handed compliment to Kirilloff at 1b. He does make lots of contact, which is certainly good. If everyone is healthy, maybe Larnach starts the year at aaa? Or a trade is always possible. 

[dberthia]

Doesn't seem like a move they'd be making unless they're not feeling good about the injury situation.

[CRF]

We're becoming the Minnesota Reds. 

[ToddlerHarmon]

Even without injuries, is he maybe competition for Gordon's roster spot?

[specialiststeve]

Head scratcher... With all of our infield options why add another. As stated... me thinks something is up... 

[DocBauer]

OK, I'm surprised by this. I felt at least 1 addition would be made, but I figured a RP on a milb deal with an invite, a split deal situation. MAYBE an actual 40 man spot. I thought Hand or Britton, who I think are still available. (Unless I missed something recently). I also thought maybe a RH bat they thought might help on a similar deal. 

I don't hate this signing. While he's nothing special with the bat, his career quad slash line isn't bad for a utility player. And while he's been primarily a 2B, he's got ML experience at the other 3 spots as well. I don't take it as anything other than insurance. IF Polanco were to be slow getting up to speed, it provides an option. IF Farmer were pressed in to more duty, he provides a utility option. And it might prevent a need to rush Martin or Julien if someone is banged up or slowed. AAA isn't loaded with call up options to play the "shuttle game" in the infield right now.

While I don't hate it, I'm not sure if I like it. Does he, even at his age, have any options left? If, by some slight chance, he does, I like the signing more. But I see zero room for him unless someone is hurt, or slowed. But he's probably a better depth piece than Soto or Will Castro from the Saints, or Helman at this point. 

I suppose if he doesn't have options...say Seth is right and he's signed for something like $2-2.5M...he could be DFA without it hurting, would probably go unclaimed, and then have the option of reporting to the Saints with the idea of a future call up. Although, depending how ST goes, maybe they'd be better off just promoting one of the aforementioned options instead, if needed? And could a couple months of AAA make Julien, Martin, or Helmen a better choice anyway???

There's no real risk here, and I doubt he's going to cost anyone a job. And a cheap depth option is never a bad thing. I just don't see a ML roster fit at this point in time. 

 

 

[Danchat]

I said at the start of free agency that it feels like our FA money is always spent on hitters... and here we are, they've spent 100% of their FA money on hitters, only adding Lopez's salary via a trade. I'm not complaining, just pointing it out.

[bird]

Very much has the feel of a cheap insurance policy against two things:

1) Injury issues with Polanco, or maybe Kirilloff, AND ALSO possibly Miranda flopping on defense at 3B, with expectations that he can be let go when one of Lewis, Martin, Julien, or Lee hopefully explodes onto the scene.

2) The very nightmarish possibility that none of Lewis, Martin, Lee, or Julien explode onto the scene.

My guess is we forget about Mr. Solano before the 4th of July, probably much much earlier.

[PatPfund]

I'd assume Polanco backup; I hope for not much more than the minimum, and mostly as an innings eater in camp. But it doesn't do much for me. There are plenty of interesting players to get innings at 2nd in camp (Julien, Gordon, Farmer off the top of my head).

The idea of keeping Solano instead of Gordon is pretty revolting. One is a first round pick still exploring his upside, the other is clearly sinking below Gordon's floor, plus Gordon is out of options, and would absolutely be claimed in waivers (he could start in the outfield for several teams such as the Tigers).

Keeping him instead of Larnach isn't much better; plus this team needs to stop blocking its developing players with rusty junk from the salvage yard. The only way it makes sense is if they think Polanco might be on the IL at season's start. (Which I guess is possible if he's still gimping on it after 9 months.)

[Doctor Gast]

I guess I'm all for caution. It sure beats put them out there until they drop philosophy.

[pierre75275]

I posted this in the other thread but I'll post it here also bc I really am curious. Maybe a trade or injury?

But why? This move along with the Gallo is very puzzling to me? Who is your bench? Jeffers, Taylor, Farmer and one of Gordon or Solano? 

Are we running with 14 position players?

Are planning on using St Paul as "resting " not official DL place for pitching?

This is puzzling.

[Splash]

13 minutes ago, PatPfund said:

I'd assume Polanco backup; I hope for not much more than the minimum, and mostly as an innings eater in camp. But it doesn't do much for me. There are plenty of interesting players to get innings at 2nd in camp (Julien, Gordon, Farmer off the top of my head).

The idea of keeping Solano instead of Gordon is pretty revolting. One is a first round pick still exploring his upside, the other is clearly sinking below Gordon's floor, plus Gordon is out of options, and would absolutely be claimed in waivers (he could start in the outfield for several teams such as the Tigers).

Keeping him instead of Larnach isn't much better; plus this team needs to stop blocking its developing players with rusty junk from the salvage yard. The only way it makes sense is if they think Polanco might be on the IL at season's start. (Which I guess is possible if he's still gimping on it after 9 months.)

Gordon will make the team, and it’s pretty clear they view him more of an outfielder than infielder. Starting Larnach at AAA is fine as he’s hasn’t yet proven he can stay both healthy and effective. And let’s be honest the odds are pretty good someone will get hurt before opening day.

[KirbyHawk75]

We do have nice depth.  

[Vanimal46]

Puzzling to give him an MLB contract. He’s either taking Larnach or Gordon’s spot on the opening day roster. 

[jkcarew]

Can't be for Gordon.  Not that Gordon is destined for the HOF by any means, but Gordon just had a better age-26 season than Solano just had an age-34 season. It's a one year deal. Something has to be wrong with someone. (Maybe even something off-the-field??).

I guess we'll see.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

32 minutes ago, KirbyHawk75 said:

We do have nice depth.  

We do have nice depth.  But maybe  the FO should sign one more left-handed hitting corner OF. LOL.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

OK, I'm surprised by this. I felt at least 1 addition would be made, but I figured a RP on a milb deal with an invite, a split deal situation. MAYBE an actual 40 man spot. I thought Hand or Britton, who I think are still available. (Unless I missed something recently). I also thought maybe a RH bat they thought might help on a similar deal. 

I don't hate this signing. While he's nothing special with the bat, his career quad slash line isn't bad for a utility player. And while he's been primarily a 2B, he's got ML experience at the other 3 spots as well. I don't take it as anything other than insurance. IF Polanco were to be slow getting up to speed, it provides an option. IF Farmer were pressed in to more duty, he provides a utility option. And it might prevent a need to rush Martin or Julien if someone is banged up or slowed. AAA isn't loaded with call up options to play the "shuttle game" in the infield right now.

While I don't hate it, I'm not sure if I like it. Does he, even at his age, have any options left? If, by some slight chance, he does, I like the signing more. 

I suppose if he doesn't have options...say Seth is right and he's signed for something like $2-2.5M...he could be DFA without it hurting, would probably go unclaimed, and then have the option of reporting to the Saints with the idea of a future call up. Although, depending how ST goes, maybe they'd be better off just promoting one of the aforementioned options instead, if needed? And could a couple months of AAA make Julien, Martin, or Helmen a better choice anyway???

 

 

 

Solano has more than seven years of service. He can't be optioned without his consent. While he didn't sign early, he has a big league bat and positional flexibility. Injuries are going to happen, without question. Last year, Gordon didn't have a path to anything resembling regular duty, but ended with over 400 plate appearances. Hopefully, the injuries won't be as extensive this year, but a guy like Solano will most likely stick on the roster as long as he is healthy and reasonably productive. 

[High heat]

This tells me Kirilloff is hurt and not ready for the season or that Nick Gordon is either being traded or not seen as a viable infield option at any spot in the infield.

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Puzzling to give him an MLB contract. He’s either taking Larnach or Gordon’s spot on the opening day roster. 

Puzzling (infuriating to Gordon) if after last year he takes Gordon's spot.

[Dman]

Yeah this is puzzling, Solano was not on the radar at all.  I thought they might sign Gurriel to platoon at first base and or DH but maybe the asking price was too high or the Twins like Solano's position flexibility better?  Or maybe he is Polanco knee insurance, but I kind of thought that was what Castro was for with Jullien or Lewis as possibilities later in the year.

I think this signing is fine for depth especially if they fear Polanco is going to need extra time off but it seems a bit off to me.  I am guessing it will make more sense over time.  They did add another righty bat that I was clamoring for and he is a contact hitter (career K% 18%) so I probably should be happy and yet somehow I am a little confused by this move.

[Azviking101]

More depth which is amazing. Just still don’t get why bullpen depth isn’t important 

[theBOMisthebomb]

Nothing says World Series champion 2023 like becoming the Cincinnati Reds West. 

[DJL44]

Nick Gordon for a reliever would be a good move for this roster.

[Mike Sixel]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Nick Gordon for a reliever would be a good move for this roster.

Terrible idea. Imo. They have plenty of bullpen options. Gordon is the backup OF

[GNess]

Solano can hit. He is a viable back up at 3 or 4 infield positions. Gordon looks more like an extra OF. It appears from this signing the infield is set: Kirilloff, Polanco, Correa, Miranda, Farmer, Solano. Catcher is set; The surplus is in the outfield where there are 6-7 real options for 5 spots; Buxton, Gallo, Kepler, Taylor, Gordon, Larnach, Celestino (?). Looks like only 1 of the last three make the opening day roster. 

Gordon v Larnach v Celestino battling it out. 

 

[MTV]

Something has to give before this makes sense. Either they’re about to move someone or somebody’s about to get injured, wether it’s an infielder like Polanco, Miranda or Kirilloff or any infield prospects like Julien, Martin or Lewis having a setback. If they really wanted depth they would’ve signed Solano to a minor-league deal, Larnach seems like the only realistic player to option down, and I’d much rather see Larnach than Solano. Maybe there’s something to tweak with Larnach and they want to start him at Saint Paul, otherwise something’s about to happen, something bigger.

[cmoss84]

Polanco for who? His time is out.

[dwalter]

One other note, there hasn’t been a story up yet on the Athletic or StarTrib and no Twitter chatter from beat writers at those sites, only TD.  Tells me they are waiting for more news to come on why they made this signing. 

[mrtwinsfan]

5 hours ago, PatPfund said:

I'd assume Polanco backup; I hope for not much more than the minimum, and mostly as an innings eater in camp. But it doesn't do much for me. There are plenty of interesting players to get innings at 2nd in camp (Julien, Gordon, Farmer off the top of my head).

The idea of keeping Solano instead of Gordon is pretty revolting. One is a first round pick still exploring his upside, the other is clearly sinking below Gordon's floor, plus Gordon is out of options, and would absolutely be claimed in waivers (he could start in the outfield for several teams such as the Tigers).

Keeping him instead of Larnach isn't much better; plus this team needs to stop blocking its developing players with rusty junk from the salvage yard. The only way it makes sense is if they think Polanco might be on the IL at season's start. (Which I guess is possible if he's still gimping on it after 9 months.)

Great  info, spot on about blocking the young