What’s the Twins Center Field Contingency Plan?

[Cody Christie]

The Twins regularly used Michael A. Taylor and Nick Gordon in center field so far in 2023. With injury concerns for both, how does the organization’s depth look at one of baseball’s most important positions?

Image courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota’s front office had a clear roster plan when addressing the team’s center field depth. The club traded for Michael A. Taylor this winter to provide depth and defensive flexibility in the outfield. Expectations were for Nick Gordon and Joey Gallo to have the ability to play in center depending on the pitching match-up. 

Gordon went on the IL earlier this week after fouling a pitch off his leg. He fractured his right shin and will be sidelined for multiple weeks. It’s a tough break for Gordon, who was looking to build off a strong 2022 season where he posted a 111 OPS+ in 136 games. His 2023 season was off to a slow start (.143 BA in April), but he had raised his batting average by over 50 points in May. Now, the Twins will need to look at other center-field options. 

Gordon had been getting more playing time in center because Taylor was dealing with a sore back. In his age-32 season, Taylor has seen some ups and downs with his performance. Through April, he hit .244/.294/.419 (.712) with three doubles and four home runs. Since May 1, his OPS has dropped to .583 as he’s been limited to one extra-base hit. His back has been an issue recently, likely tied to his decreased offensive production. The Twins can hope his back improves, but that seems unlikely if he is forced to play more regularly with Gordon on the IL. 

Byron Buxton is the other elephant in the room. When healthy, Buxton is one of baseball’s top defenders in center field. He has yet to play a defensive inning because the club wants him in the lineup as much as possible. He’s played in 40-of-44 games to start the year while posting a 128 OPS+ and ranking sixth in fWAR among DHs. He may play in center field later this season, but Buxton and the team have to be happy with his abundant availability so far in 2023. 

Gallo and Willi Castro are the only players on the big-league roster who have seen time in center field. Center field isn’t the optimal defensive position for either of these players. Castro can play nearly every defensive position, but he’s stretched in center field. The Twins needed Gallo at first base while Alex Kirilloff was returning from injury, and he’s won Gold Gloves in both corner outfield spots. Like Gordon, Gallo left Wednesday’s game after fouling a ball off his shin, but he didn’t suffer a fracture. Minnesota would likely call someone up before giving either of these players significant innings in center field. 

Royce Lewis is rehabbing at Triple-A in the minor leagues, but the team plans to use him at shortstop and third base. Also, he can't be activated from the 60-day IL until the last day of the May. Also, last season, he tore his ACL for the second consecutive season when playing center field. It doesn’t seem out of the question for the Twins to reevaluate whether he can be used in center field in the future, but third base might be his best chance for regular playing time at the big-league level this season.  

Austin Martin, one of the team’s top prospects, would be a prime candidate to see time in center field. However, the team shut him down during spring training with a UCL sprain. He has yet to resume baseball activities, and there is a chance that he will need surgery. Like Martin, Gilberto Celestino injured himself this spring, or he might be in the center field conversation. He ruptured the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, which has a recovery period of 6-8 weeks. It has been over eight weeks since his surgery, and he hasn’t begun a rehab assignment. 

At Triple-A, Andrew Stevenson and Mark Contreras have seen the bulk of playing time in center field. Stevenson is a 29-year-old signed with the Twins this winter after playing eight seasons in the Nationals organization. The former second-round pick is hitting .276/.372/.391 (.762) with seven extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases in 31 games. Contreras played 28 games for the Twins in 2022 and posted a 22 OPS+ with 21 strikeouts. He’s off to a strong start with the Saints this year with ten doubles, five home runs, ten steals, and an .888 OPS. Contreras might be the best option from Triple-A if the Twins need a center-field replacement, especially because he hits left-handed.

Many fans will call for Buxton to start getting reps in center field, but that seems unlikely. Will the Twins need more center-field depth in 2023? Who is the next best option? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

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[FlyingFinn]

I call for Buxton to start getting reps in CF.

[h2oface]

Buxton. The answer is very simple.

[twins_89]

The team really needs to someone to play CF. It's a quarter of the way into the season and Buxton is healthy. If the team is unwilling to play Buxton in the field now, I don't know when they will be. Even playing Buxton 2-3 times a week in CF would make a real difference.

[Doctor Gast]

Contreras has been doing well in AAA. For a short term basis, They should bring him up especially facing RHPs. And rotate Buxton & Taylor in CF to face LHPs shouldn't be to strenous on either of them. They said that they'd evaluate Buxton to play CF in May now it's almost June.

[h2oface]

If you want to go diving....... Aaron Hicks has been DFA'd and may soon be available for pro-rated league minimum.

But do you? Want to go diving?

He would fit right in with Correa's up the middle offensive production, and Aaron could even go to the Carlos Correa School of Off Season Mentoring so he is ready to bust out of the gate next year like Correa and Miranda were this year. 😇

[Blyleven2011]

18 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Contreras has been doing well in AAA. For a short term basis, They should bring him up especially facing RHPs. And rotate Buxton & Taylor in CF to face LHPs shouldn't be to strenous on either of them. They said that they'd evaluate Buxton to play CF in May now it's almost June.

Contreras not on 40 man roster that i know of so someone would have to be waived or put on the 60 day IL  list ...

Let's start Buxton in centerfield and solve the problem  and hopefully  he stays healthy  , 

He wouldn't have to play every game but a few home games would be nice to see him in person  and add some excitement to the game ...

If he gets injured , he gets injured , too bad so sad   ....

[Brandon]

I think if the Twins want to keep Buxton fresh they rotate players including Buxton in CF.  For now it would be Taylor, Buxton, and Castro.  We can add Gallo and Kepler in there as they come back from injuries.  But I would imagine Buxton could play CF once or twice a week.  

[stringer bell]

If the Twins bring up Contreras or any other center fielder or pursue Aaron Hicks, that will tell us (the fans) that they aren't going to use Buck in center field any time soon. I didn't know Taylor's back issues were ongoing. Without Gordon, there really isn't much depth in center. 

[jimbo92107]

Willie Castro may be "stretched" in CF as far as footspeed, but I've seen his arm, and it's a true gun. If you're playing Gallo in one corner, Castro CF and Garlick or Larnach in the other corner, that's not a bad fielding OF.

[mrtwinsfan]

They said that they'd evaluate Buxton to play CF in May ,    Wonder what Buck would say about it ??  

[DocBauer]

I do believe Buxton is going to play CF again, on a limited basis. Now, this is just my opinion, but I believe his days as an everyday CF are over. And it's to keep him healthy, in the lineup, on a daily basis for 120+ games per year. His bat and ability are game changing. I think the plan, going forward, is to play 2-3 games per week and DH the rest. Which means we need another quality option there.

For the most part, that's worked this year with the addition of Taylor. Long term, options include Lewis, Martin, and Celestino. (I am deliberately leaving out potential options in A ball and lower.) I think Kiersey at AA has a shot with his glove and speed now that he's learning to hit and is flashing a little more pop as well. 

Is it possible Taylor is re-signed? Mmm...possibly. Could they sign someone or trade for someone? Absolutely. But I think they'd prefer to stick in house if possible.

What's unfortunate for NOW, is Taylor's back having issues, Gordon hurting his shin, Kepler out with injury, Celestino still recovering from his hand injury, and Helman...a talented late bloomer ready for a shot...suddenly hurting his shoulder after getting a late start to the season from his spring hamstring issue, and raking for St Paul.

It's not that the Twins didn't begin the season with depth and options, it's that in a bad comedy of poor luck, most of the options all got hurt at the same time. Really, really stinks that Helman got hurt at this time. (Sigh).

Kepler will be back, reportedly, Monday or Tuesday. While he doesn't like playing CF, he just might have to do so here and there for a few weeks, even if not daily. If they want/need someone temporarily, I'd be looking at Contreras. He's better in the corners, but is a solid CF and having a good year, and provides a LH bat. Can they make room for him? He'd provide a temp solution with Kepler sharing CF with Taylor, allowing Taylor some rest by not playing daily right now as his back settles down. 

Again, I think Buxton is going to still play some CF going forward. But I think it's way to easy to just say "Buxton should just play CF". But do the Twins feel his legs are 100%, or close, and ready to go? Or do they feel he's not quite where they want him out there yet? Only they know. 

If Taylor can get his back healed up by not playing daily, and Kepler can fill in to help for a little while, they are still OK. And I'm just talking about this year. It can be solid with a share of Taylor, Kepler, and Buxton until Gordon is healthy again. And who knows what might happen the 2nd half with guys getting healthy and possible opportunities. To me the biggest issue is just the next few days and weeks. They can get through that, they'll have multiple options to keep CF solid for 2023.

[RickOShea]

I believe buxton will play cf late in the season in preparation for a possible playoff experience.  I don't foresee the Twins changing their current philosophy with Buxton, this early.

[h2oface]

2 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I do believe Buxton is going to play CF again, on a limited basis. Now, this is just my opinion, but I believe his days as an everyday CF are over. And it's to keep him healthy, in the lineup, on a daily basis for 120+ games per year. His bat and ability are game changing. I think the plan, going forward, is to play 2-3 games per week and DH the rest. Which means we need another quality option there.

-----------/----------------/------------

Again, I think Buxton is going to still play some CF going forward. But I think it's way to easy to just say "Buxton should just play CF". But do the Twins feel his legs are 100%, or close, and ready to go? Or do they feel he's not quite where they want him out there yet? Only they know. 

 

Game Changing. I have always been a Buxton apologist. Still am, I guess. But all this just makes me sad. Game Changing. If what Buxton does at the plate and running the bases (which includes not stealing to his potential, and he doesn't know how to slide any more! He is totally ungraceful and whether he goes feet first or dives and face plants & bounces) is all game changing means anymore, then it is really a shell of what it used to mean. It used to mean hitting for over .300 (sometimes well over .300), OBP of over .400, well over 100 RBI a year, 40+ homers, a cannon arm, 40/40 potential, etc. Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams..... Tony O, Mike Trout, Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Kirby Puckett, Frank Robinson, and years like Rendon and Goldschmidt and Freeman and Betts etc have. Several years. Buxton has had a few, and it really is just a few, game changing months, not years, and those months weren't better than months that guys like Colabello and many others have had at the plate for month long runs! I mean, let's get real. So now game changing is just batting in 120+ games and hitting .230ish, 30ish homers, stealing a few bases, OBP of around .340, and OPS in the .800s - maybe, and not playing in the field when you are perhaps the best center fielder and outfielder in the game, but are too afraid (?) to actually play the game? Just hit, and run the bases. That is what Buxton is being saved for. Not all-star numbers, but good numbers only if you think OPS is the only way to judge a batter now, and career .777 OPS is by no means elite.

We could sure use more of a game changer than that, even just at the plate, if it is all Buxton is going to do, or is allowed to do out of fear of loss. Watching Buxton be a shell of what he could be, is really sad for me. I bet it is for a lot of Twins' fans. And next year he will already be 30.

[MABB1959]

2 hours ago, h2oface said:

 

Game Changing. I have always been a Buxton apologist. Still am, I guess. But all this just makes me sad. Game Changing. If what Buxton does at the plate and running the bases (which includes not stealing to his potential) is all game changing means anymore, then it is really a shell of what it used to mean. It used to mean hitting for over .300 (sometimes well over .300), OBP of over .400, well over 100 RBI a year, 40+ homers, a cannon arm, 40/40 potential, etc. Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams..... Tony O, Mike Trout, Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Kirby Puckett, Frank Robinson, and years like Rendon and Goldschmidt and Freeman and Betts etc have. Several years. Buxton has had a few, and it really is just a few, game changing months, not years, and those months weren't better than months that guys like Colabello and many others have had at the plate for month long runs! I mean, let's get real. So now game changing is just batting in 120+ games and hitting .230ish, 30ish homers, stealing a few bases, OBP of around .340, and OPS in the .800s - maybe, and not playing in the field when you are perhaps the best center fielder and outfielder in the game, but are too afraid (?) to actually play the game? Just hit, and run the bases. That is what Buxton is being saved for. Not all-star numbers, but good numbers only if you think OPS is the only way to judge a batter now, and career .777 OPS is by no means elite.

We could sure use more of a game changer than that, even just at the plate, if it is all Buxton is going to do, or is allowed to do out of fear of loss. Watching Buxton be a shell of what he could be, is really sad for me. I bet it is for a lot of Twins' fans. And next year he will already be 30.

I agree.  What are they saving a ..230 hitter for?  If he was batting in the 300’s that would be different. The whole lineup is weak and inconsistent.  It’s not that early any more.  Correa has been horrible at the plate. The Twins barely have anyone hitting over .250. 

[D.C Twins]

When the FO is checking their algorithms, I hope they are taking into account who is else is getting AB because Buck is DH.

Do we want Taylor or Kirilloff in the lineup.....Taylor or Kirilloff.....ummmmmm that is SUCH a tough decision 🙄

[stringer bell]

38 minutes ago, D.C Twins said:

When the FO is checking their algorithms, I hope they are taking into account who is else is getting AB because Buck is DH.

Do we want Taylor or Kirilloff in the lineup.....Taylor or Kirilloff.....ummmmmm that is SUCH a tough decision 🙄

Got to believe the choice would be Taylor vs. Larnach.

[h2oface]

.

[dxpavelka]

Kepler's got the equivalent of a full season in CF over the course of his career and has been solid if not spectacular there.  Seems we have a plethora of corner options.  Move him over if need be.

[ziggy]

It's obvious that Buxton is still having knee problems. He will not be manning center field anytime soon. After last nights Angels game where he ran full speed twice he was lifted in the sixth inning with leg stiffness. 

I'd rather see him DH than not see him play at all.  Taylor is fine in center, Celestino looks like a 'maybe' for next year or perhaps Buxton can be in center next year. 

I know I should be used to disappointment but damn, Buxton has the talent to be compared to Willie Mays, why can't us Minnesota Twins fans have our cake and eat it too?

[Linus]

I have an easy solution. When Kepler comes back Rocco sits him down and says Max you are now a CF. If you don’t like it you can sit next to me on the bench. 

[D.C Twins]

9 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Got to believe the choice would be Taylor vs. Larnach.

Buck to CF and then Kirilloff to DH..... Taylor to bench.... but Buck out again now, so......

[stringer bell]

7 minutes ago, D.C Twins said:

Buck to CF and then Kirilloff to DH..... Taylor to bench.... but Buck out again now, so......

Kirilloff is going to be ahead of Larnach. With Taylor in center, it would be Gallo in left, Kepler in right (when off IL) and Kirilloff at first. Moving Buxton to center would allow Larnach to DH or for a rotation between the four left handed hitters.

[jorgenswest]

The narrative from a few on Kepler in CF has created its own reality on TD. Rocco once talked about how they preferred him in RF because he is so good in that spot.

He may be a better CF than Gordon for example but this isn’t an individual game. It is a team game and the overall outfield play is what matters. While Kepler may have been somewhat better than Gordon in CF he is much better in RF. The same can probably be said about Gallo or Celestino and maybe Castro. If they get to the point where the only options are Larnach, Kirilloff and Kepler then it might be the best combo to play Kepler in CF.

[JD-TWINS]

I do not get the burning need to see Buxton in CF other than just as an “exciting visual possibility.” We have had a Gold Glove CF start 70% of the games. Buxton has been in the line-up 41 of 45 games. ………..he’s averaged playing in 46% of the games in 7 of 8 years in big leagues………He has an OPS of .835 & has helped carry us to 6-7 of our 25 wins. Things seem to be working.

I see fans here clamoring for Kiriloff as the DH. Seems we just create a hitting deficiency at 1B then? Again, since he’s been up he’s doing well, including 2 spot uses as a pinch hitter in the last 2 games with great success!

As of this morning, Buxton was pinch hit for last night due to “upper leg stiffness”. He’s going to play CF maybe 30 games this year when it’s nice & warm in the evenings. Maybe.

In the meantime, Taylor looks fine on defense even though his back may be bothering him. He was robbed of a straightaway centerfield HR on Friday night.

V. RH pitching, Gallo or Castro or Taylor in CF until Gordon re-habs in 5-6 weeks. Typically Larnach in LF & Kepler in RF. Kepler is back this week apparently.

IF Buxton needs some time off, Julien can DH v. RH pitching while Castro fills in for Polanco.

How about Kyle Farmer!!! 10 games since he took over for Miranda & he’s got 9 RBI & hit .395 over those games.

The Garlick - Solano - Farmer RH bats v. LH pitching went 6 for 11 last night in 6-2 win.

FO has done a nice job building depth in ‘23! Who would have thought that on May 21st Gordon - Polanco - Miranda - Kepler - Buxton may all be out of the line-up and nobody is freaking out? We are taking FO for granted with the guys we have available & their level of ability to step up & perform.

Hoping Gordon is back by July 1 !!!

 

[stringer bell]

6 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

I do not get the burning need to see Buxton in CF other than just as an “exciting visual possibility.” We have had a Gold Glove CF start 70% of the games. Buxton has been in the line-up 41 of 45 games. ………..he’s averaged playing in 46% of the games in 7 of 8 years in big leagues………He has an OPS of .835 & has helped carry us to 6-7 of our 25 wins. Things seem to be working.

I see fans here clamoring for Kiriloff as the DH. Seems we just create a hitting deficiency at 1B then? Again, since he’s been up he’s doing well, including 2 spot uses as a pinch hitter in the last 2 games with great success!

As of this morning, Buxton was pinch hit for last night due to “upper leg stiffness”. He’s going to play CF maybe 30 games this year when it’s nice & warm in the evenings. Maybe.

In the meantime, Taylor looks fine on defense even though his back may be bothering him. He was robbed of a straightaway centerfield HR on Friday night.

V. RH pitching, Gallo or Castro or Taylor in CF until Gordon re-habs in 5-6 weeks. Typically Larnach in LF & Kepler in RF. Kepler is back this week apparently.

IF Buxton needs some time off, Julien can DH v. RH pitching while Castro fills in for Polanco.

How about Kyle Farmer!!! 10 games since he took over for Miranda & he’s got 9 RBI & hit .395 over those games.

The Garlick - Solano - Farmer RH bats v. LH pitching went 6 for 11 last night in 6-2 win.

FO has done a nice job building depth in ‘23! Who would have thought that on May 21st Gordon - Polanco - Miranda - Kepler - Buxton may all be out of the line-up and nobody is freaking out? We are taking FO for granted with the guys we have available & their level of ability to step up & perform.

Hoping Gordon is back by July 1 !!!

 

Last thought first, Gordon back by July 1? From what I've read, the recovery time for a fractured shin is in the 4-6 month range. I've been believing Nick will be on the 60-day list when they need to clear a 40-man spot for Lewis.

RH hitting specialists did do their job last night. Castro has been a valuable utility guy as of late, mitigating the loss of Nick Gordon. I don't want to see it, but I think the lineup will be okay without Buxton (if he goes on IL). There are some pretty good options for each position including DH.

[Montdak]

Buxton and no trying to go over the wall at an angle high speed .  And learn to slide without looking like what we use to call on the playground a spaz.

[Riverbrian]

Well:

If Gordon is hurt.

If Buxton is being load managed.

If Gallo is a minus 1 million defensively and a plus one million in RF and LF

If Castro can play every position but CF

If Kepler refuses to play CF

If Lewis is only getting reps at 3B and SS

If all of that is true... We are on a collision course for Stevenson or a waiver wire grab to man the position as we gear up for the World Series.  

 

 

[lecroy24fan]

Well CF was the one place they never tried Sano.....

[Linus]

I wish Helman wasn’t hurt. With the numbers he has put up it would be worth a look.