Should the Twins Pursue Wil Myers?

[Cody Schoenmann]

With right-handed hitting corner outfielders being a relatively non-existent aspect of the 26-man roster, should the Twins pursue the recently designated for assignment right-handed hitting Wil Myers?

Image courtesy of Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

During the off-season, the Twins were believed to be interested in signing a right-handed hitting corner outfielder. Some of the names floated around were Andrew McCutchen, Adam Duvall, Trey Mancini, and A.J. Pollock. Ultimately the Twins didn't sign any of the right-handed hitting outfielders mentioned and instead traded for Michael A. Taylor, who would become the everyday center fielder, and re-signed Kyle Garlick, who was recently designated for assignment. 

With the Twins having a surplus of left-handed hitting corner outfielders in Max Kepler, Alex Kirilloff, and Joey Gallo, as well as Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner ready to be called up from the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, would it make sense to add the right-handed hitting Myers to the mix while potentially cutting ties with a left-handed hitting corner outfielder?

Let's take a look. 

Myers, who signed a one-year $7.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds this year, was designated for assignment on June 20 after returning from a rehab assignment that stemmed back to Myers being placed on the 10-day IL on May 26 with a kidney stone.  

Before his two-or-so-month stint with the Reds, Myers had played with the Padres from 2015-2022, where he hit .254/.330/.451 (.781) with 134 home runs over those seven years.  

Myers's best season with the Padres came in 2016 when he hit .259/.336/.461 (.797) with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases over 157 games and 676 plate appearances. In 2016, Myers also mustered a wRC+ of 114 and an fWAR of 3.4, both above league average. 

Despite being an above-average player roughly seven years ago, that has not been the case for Myers this season. 

Through 141 plate appearances with the Reds this year, Myers hit just .189/.257/.283 (.540) with a wRC+ of 42 and an fWAR of -0.8.  

Now, many of you might be saying to yourselves, "Wow, you managed to find a corner outfielder with worse numbers than Max Kepler in 2023," or "Yes, what this Twins team needs is another position player who can't hit," but I think Myers has more to offer, especially given who the Twins have been deploying in left and right field as of late. 

Just last season, Myers hit .261/.315/.398 (.713) with a wRC+ of 104 and an fWAR of 1.0 while also playing an integral role in helping the Padres make their first National League Championship Series appearance since 1998. Myers also showed versatility by playing both corner outfield spots, first base, and designated hitter.

Despite not performing well with the Reds this year in a small sample size, it is rational to think that Myers still can contribute to a team with playoff aspirations, as he did just a season ago.

Myers also fits a role this Twins team needs quite desperately.  

Myers would fit in very well when the Twins deploy their right-handed hitting platoon when they face left-handed hitting pitchers. Throughout his career, Myers has hit .252/.346/.446 (.793) against left-handed pitchers.

Adding Myers to the platoon would mean that the Twins could subtract one of Gallo, Kepler, or Willi Castro from playing one of the corner outfield positions, or they could have Myers play first base, which means Donovan Solano could play second base, where he is a better defender than Edouard Julien.  

Myers also has fared quite well against right-handed hitters. Throughout his career, Myers has hit .252/.319/.433 (.752), which is similar to what left-handed hitting Kepler has hit against right-handed hitters over his career, which is .237/.325/.452 (.778), and the left-handed hitting Gallo has hit, which is .198/.331/.473 (.804).  

If the Twins did acquire Myers, it would be essential to identify who would likely be leaving if the Twins did claim Myers off of waivers or sign him if he clears them. Ideally, it would be the profoundly slumping Kepler who is hitting .192/.266/.384 (.650) with a wRC+ of 79 and an fWAR of 0.1 through 47 games played. But, as this front office has evidenced time and time again, the idea of designating Kepler for assignment feels like an impossibility, but could the temptation of adding the right-handed hitting Myers to the outfield mix be what it takes for the Twins to cut ties with Kepler?

I doubt it. 

Even though Kepler is unlikely to be the player to go, that doesn't mean the idea of adding Myers to the Twins is improbable. An easy move the Twins could make is optioning the recently regressing Castro, who has cooled off over his last ten games, hitting just .231 with six hits, one walk, two stolen bases, and eight strikeouts, to Triple-A St. Paul.    

No matter the corresponding transaction, the Twins would benefit from adding the versatile right-handed hitting Myers to their 26-man roster.

Remember, if the Twins claimed Myers, they would owe him approximately $3 million of his $6 million 2023 salary. They would also get charged a $500,000 trade bonus (or negotiate that with the Reds), and they would have to give him $1.5 million after the season to buyout the option for 2024. If they don't claim him, and he passes through waivers, Myers would become a free agent and be able to sign with any of the 30 MLB teams for the prorated league minimum, which is around $720,000.

Do you think the Twins should add Wil Myers? If so, what should the corresponding roster move be? 

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[Dman]

I think I would skip. Adding around the margins isn't going to change this teams trajectory.  I don't think turning into the MinniCinci Twins is going to work well that is why Cincinnati is getting rid of these guys and building a better younger team.  One that already looks like it might be better than this current Twins team.  

[DJL44]

Would rather see them add Dalton Guthrie.

[Cody Schoenmann]

35 minutes ago, Dman said:

I think I would skip. Adding around the margins isn't going to change this teams trajectory.  I don't think turning into the MinniCinci Twins is going to work well that is why Cincinnati is getting rid of these guys and building a better younger team.  One that already looks like it might be better than this current Twins team.  

Not a day goes by where I don't think about what this team would look like if they still had Spencer Steer not to mention Christian Encarnacion-Strand waiting at Triple-A. I agree though, I just think Myers could be the right-handed hitting corner outfielder/first baseman this Twins team needs. Also, I think Myers is better option than Kyle Garlick at this very moment. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

35 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Would rather see them add Dalton Guthrie.

Guthrie is an intriguing player. He has performed really well in Triple-A, plus he is younger than Myers. The reason I value Myers more at this very moment is because of his pedigree and what he was able to do with the Padres the last seven-or-so years. With that being said, Guthrie still has options which adds a great amount of value. I would be content with the Twins adding Myers or Guthrie. 

[IndianaTwin]

Betteridge (and thus, probably @ashbury) and I say no.

[Hans Birkeland]

Prone to huge slumps with a lot of swing and miss- we have enough of those guys.

[Riverbrian]

We have too much Myers type production.

We need to shed our existing Myers type production. 

The Reds let him go because of his Myers type production.

Which is exactly what teams should do with Myers type production. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

4 minutes ago, Hans Birkeland said:

Prone to huge slumps with a lot of swing and miss- we have enough of those guys.

Do you think the fact that he is right-handed makes him more rosterable than Kepler or Gallo?

[Hans Birkeland]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

I think I would skip. Adding around the margins isn't going to change this teams trajectory.  I don't think turning into the MinniCinci Twins is going to work well that is why Cincinnati is getting rid of these guys and building a better younger team.  One that already looks like it might be better than this current Twins team.  

Take a look at their rotation though. Hunter Greene is the best of the bunch, but he still hasn't ever put it together. Nick Lodolo looked fun for a bit, then he struggled and got hurt. Right now its Andrew Abott (who's been great but its 4 starts) Ben Lively and Luke Weaver, who may be the worst starter in baseball.

[Hans Birkeland]

9 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Do you think the fact that he is right-handed makes him more rosterable than Kepler or Gallo?

I see your point, but any benefit would probably be marginal, and I have heard Myers isn't the best clubhouse guy.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Not a day goes by where I don't think about what this team would look like if they still had Spencer Steer not to mention Christian Encarnacion-Strand waiting at Triple-A. 

Let it go

[Dman]

22 minutes ago, Hans Birkeland said:

Take a look at their rotation though. Hunter Greene is the best of the bunch, but he still hasn't ever put it together. Nick Lodolo looked fun for a bit, then he struggled and got hurt. Right now its Andrew Abott (who's been great but its 4 starts) Ben Lively and Luke Weaver, who may be the worst starter in baseball.

Yeah they still need pitching help but I believe they just put together a 10 game winning streak so they must be limping by better than the Twins are.

[Cody Schoenmann]

4 minutes ago, Dman said:

Yeah they still need pitching help but I believe they just put together a 10 game winning streak so they must be limping by better than the Twins are.

Yeah, their lineup is definitely electric and I predict that will sustain itself to a degree, but the Reds rotation is far worse than the Twins lineup. Now, if the Reds were to acquire Lucas Giolito or Shane Bieber while having Greene and Lodolo healthy, I do think the Reds would cement themselves as the best team in the NL Central. Personally, I hope they win the NL Central because they are a fun and exciting team to watch and keep up with. 

Edited June 22, 2023 by Cody Schoenmann

[Cody Schoenmann]

20 minutes ago, Hans Birkeland said:

I see your point, but any benefit would probably be marginal, and I have heard Myers isn't the best clubhouse guy.

Oh really? I didn't know that about Myers. 

[terrydactyls]

49 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Yeah, their lineup is definitely electric and I predict that will sustain itself to a degree, but the Reds rotation is far worse than the Twins lineup. Now, if the Reds were to acquire Lucas Giolito or Shane Bieber while having Greene and Lodolo healthy, I do think the Reds would cement themselves as the best team in the NL Central. Personally, I hope they win the NL Central because they are a fun and exciting team to watch and keep up with. 

Here's an idea.  If the Reds need pitching, how about trading Sonny Gray for this minor leaguer named Chase Petty?

[chpettit19]

12 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

Here's an idea.  If the Reds need pitching, how about trading Sonny Gray for this minor leaguer named Chase Petty?

Chase Petty and another prospect or 2 is a realistic package for Gray. I wouldn't be mad at that return.

[Cody Schoenmann]

2 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Chase Petty and another prospect or 2 is a realistic package for Gray. I wouldn't be mad at that return.

Chase Petty and Casey Legumina for Sonny Gray lol

[chpettit19]

2 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Chase Petty and Casey Legumina for Sonny Gray lol

Casey would fit right in with the lower part of the Twins pen! Let's do it!

[tony&rodney]

The Guardians released Zunino and the Reds would release Myers. Sometimes a team just needs to understand that players do reach a point where they are no longer capable of filling a roster spot. The Twins are struggling with what to do with Kepler and Gallo right now. Myers is done. He has nothing left to offer. So, no.

[Mike Sixel]

I can't imagine anything that interests me less to add.

[DocBauer]

I admit to being interested in this idea. Myers was one of the RH bats I wanted signed in the offseason before they switched gears and went defense/speed with Taylor. 

Here is my basic problem: When something isn't working, you need to change course. And the offense didn't work on a consistent basis last year...when healthy...and isn't clicking on any sort of consistent basis this year either. It's time to change gears. And I think Myer is adding a RH version of what already isn't working for the Twins now.

I've seen the Braves switch gears recently, though some of that was injury related as well, and they got dividends. I saw Cleveland run with some kids and it worked last year, not so much this year. And the aforementioned Reds are doing the same and it's starting to work there, seemingly.

I don't hate Kepler by any means. I don't root against him. I'm happy when henhas a good game, gets a hit, or the occasional HR. But the proof of his dwindling production/career is obvious and right up front for everyone to see. It's time to move on and give Larnach and Waller their extended shot. Gallo, pre his recent injury, was looking very much like his former All Star self when in Texas; low AVG, but good OB, BIG power, and good defense wherever he played. But not only is he not part of 2024 and beyond, he's looked pretty bad on his return from the IL. I'm not ready to jettison him just yet. But I'm starting to seriously consider it for all the reasons previously stated.

I honestly think it's time for Larnach and Wallner to just be handed the corners and see what they might turn in to. The Twins would still have the likes of Contreras and Stevens sitting in St Paul if someone got hurt, as a couple depth options. Further, call me crazy if you want, I have hopes Helman will be back soon, and might be a 2nd half RH bat and versatile player as an interesting role player.

Kirilloff can also play both corner OF spots. And while NOT an OF in any way, Miranda just might be ready for another look at some point come July. 

AK, Julien, and Lewis are showing real life. Farmer is a really nice role player and gamer, though not necessarily any sort of daily piece. Solano has been productive in his role, even though he's not part of the future, and I don't see him going anywhere soon because he's actually doing his job, though it's as a smaller piece, role player. Correa and Buxton aren't going anywhere, obviously, and it's important to get them going or the offense might not go anywhere. 

I don't see a spot for Myers unless he passes through waivers and can be brought on cheap, maybe to St Paul initially on a look-see.

When things aren't working, you need to make changes and go a different direction. I think that different direction is no Kepler, maybe no Gallo, and give the younger kids a shot to develop. 

[SteveLV]

No way with his current contract, possibly as a waiver claim at the pro-rated league minimum.

Doesn't seem to move the needle much, but might add to depth depending on health of existing roster.

[Cody Schoenmann]

36 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I admit to being interested in this idea. Myers was one of the RH bats I wanted signed in the offseason before they switched gears and went defense/speed with Taylor. 

Here is my basic problem: When something isn't working, you need to change course. And the offense didn't work on a consistent basis last year...when healthy...and isn't clicking on any sort of consistent basis this year either. It's time to change gears. And I think Myer is adding a RH version of what already isn't working for the Twins now.

I've seen the Braves switch gears recently, though some of that was injury related as well, and they got dividends. I saw Cleveland run with some kids and it worked last year, not so much this year. And the aforementioned Reds are doing the same and it's starting to work there, seemingly.

I don't hate Kepler by any means. I don't root against him. I'm happy when henhas a good game, gets a hit, or the occasional HR. But the proof of his dwindling production/career is obvious and right up front for everyone to see. It's time to move on and give Larnach and Waller their extended shot. Gallo, pre his recent injury, was looking very much like his former All Star self when in Texas; low AVG, but good OB, BIG power, and good defense wherever he played. But not only is he not part of 2024 and beyond, he's looked pretty bad on his return from the IL. I'm not ready to jettison him just yet. But I'm starting to seriously consider it for all the reasons previously stated.

I honestly think it's time for Larnach and Wallner to just be handed the corners and see what they might turn in to. The Twins would still have the likes of Contreras and Stevens sitting in St Paul if someone got hurt, as a couple depth options. Further, call me crazy if you want, I have hopes Helman will be back soon, and might be a 2nd half RH bat and versatile player as an interesting role player.

Kirilloff can also play both corner OF spots. And while NOT an OF in any way, Miranda just might be ready for another look at some point come July. 

AK, Julien, and Lewis are showing real life. Farmer is a really nice role player and gamer, though not necessarily any sort of daily piece. Solano has been productive in his role, even though he's not part of the future, and I don't see him going anywhere soon because he's actually doing his job, though it's as a smaller piece, role player. Correa and Buxton aren't going anywhere, obviously, and it's important to get them going or the offense might not go anywhere. 

I don't see a spot for Myers unless he passes through waivers and can be brought on cheap, maybe to St Paul initially on a look-see.

When things aren't working, you need to make changes and go a different direction. I think that different direction is no Kepler, maybe no Gallo, and give the younger kids a shot to develop. 

An interesting thought that I heard getting brought up recently was that maybe the Twins don't view Wallner as a long-term corner outfield option either, so that is why they haven't given him an extended look the same way they have Larnach. While I could see that being the case, then one has to ask, what is the long-term corner outfield plan for the Twins? Maybe they are lucky enough to select Wyatt Langford in the upcoming MLB Draft and he can advance through the Twins system quickly like Brooks Lee, maybe the expect Emmanuel Rodriguez to be ready to make his Major League debut by the end of the 2024 season, or maybe they plan on signing or trading for a new left fielder and right fielder this upcoming off-season. It is an interesting conundrum, but no matter what it appears that Kepler and especially Gallo's days with the Twins are numbered. For the rest of this season, the Twins need to find a way to manufacture some sort of offense and more specifically power from the corner outfield spots if they want to win the AL Central. Whether that be from Kepler and Gallo actually being able to turn it around, Larnach being able to produce during his next opportunity, or the front office giving Wallner a real opportunity is yet to be seen. 

Edited June 23, 2023 by Cody Schoenmann

[Cody Schoenmann]

30 minutes ago, SteveLV said:

No way with his current contract, possibly as a waiver claim at the pro-rated league minimum.

Doesn't seem to move the needle much, but might add to depth depending on health of existing roster.

I don't think the Twins or any team will claim him, I just threw that out there as being one of the plausible routes they could go down to acquire Myers. If the Twins add Myers, it will be after he is released by the Reds. 

[Reptevia]

I have zero interest in signing a player who is playing lousy but “should” be better based on his analytics. We have a whole team of those guys. 

[DocBauer]

31 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

An interesting thought that I heard getting brought up recently was that maybe the Twins don't view Wallner as a long-term corner outfield option either, so that is why they haven't given him an extended look the same way they have Larnach. While I could see that being the case, then one has to ask, what is the long-term corner outfield plan for the Twins? Maybe they are lucky enough to select Wyatt Langford in the upcoming MLB Draft and he can advance through the Twins system quickly like Brooks Lee, maybe the expect Emmanuel Rodriguez to be ready to make his Major League debut by the end of the 2024 season, or maybe they plan on signing or trading for a new left fielder and right fielder this upcoming off-season. It is an interesting conundrum, but no matter what it appears that Kepler and especially Gallo's days with the Twins are numbered. For the rest of this season, the Twins need to find a way to manufacture some sort of offense and more specifically power from the corner outfield spots if they want to win the AL Central. Whether that be from Kepler and Gallo actually being able to turn it around, Larnach being able to produce during his next opportunity, or the front office giving Wallner a real opportunity is yet to be seen. 

And this all part of the conundrum of our FO, who I largely like and agree with. They seem to be very progressive, and look at the big picture, and the future, while also being just blinded to certain stats that don't measure up, and have a veteran, scholarship tendency. Despite what's right in front of their eyes, they seem obsessed with "what if" scenarios. They trust some young players, but seem afraid to remove a poorly performing veteran because he MIGHT unlock his potential, even if he's 30 or over 30. Blinders or pride, IDK. But they need to get out of their own way once in a while and keep moving forward. Being stagnant does no good.

[Linus]

This is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. No way they pick up $3 million for this guy. 

[Brandon27]

No

[mikelink45]

NO - what else needs to be said?  127 ABs 44 OPS+