The Twins and Second Base Defense: A Match Made in Gehenna

[Greggory Masterson]

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Can you name the 10 players who have played second base for the Minnesota Twins this season? Read to the bottom to see the list. Most of them aren’t very good at it.

To answer the initial question (from the teaser about the last time the Twins had a good defender as their everyday second baseman), I’d have to go with the first half of 2019, when Jonathan Schoop patrolled the keystone daily. Since then, it’s been a mess.

Although Schoop maintained a lion’s share of the work at second in 2019, the Luis Arraez Era started in May of that year, and by the end of the season, Arraez was seeing the bulk of starts at second base (when he wasn’t patrolling left field). Since then, the Twins have treated Arraez (2019-2020), Jorge Polanco (2021-2023), and Edouard Julien (2023-2024) as their everyday second basemen, and it wasn’t pretty.

With the 2021 signing of Andrelton Simmons—who supplanted Polanco at shortstop—the Twins had to make a second base decision between Polanco and Arraez. They elected to stick Polanco at second base every day and allow Arraez to bounce between positions based on need. Technically, Polanco was an upgrade to Arraez, but he was no great asset at second.

In mid-2023, the Twins had to make a similar decision between Polanco and Julien, this time electing the one seen as a poorer defender, Julien, to stay at the position. Polanco added third base to his repertoire. Both had to be in the lineup, and it beat moving Julien anywhere else. Julien stuck there for parts of two years, but his defense was so bad that Kyle Farmer had a full-time job just relieving him at the end of games to provide competent defense. Arraez; Polanco; Julien. All three of them are first basemen or designated hitters, now.

It’s a bit perplexing, given the history of the second base position. Second base has historically been a spot for light-hitting, good-glove, diminutive players. When constructing a defensive spectrum—ordering the importance of defensive competence necessary for the position—second base has generally been ranked in the top half. Sometimes it’s tied for the middle spot with third base, and it’s consistently ranked below catcher and shortstop, but it’s at times either ahead of or tied with center field.

Not so for the Twins in recent years. Instead, they have used the position to stash their best hitters, much like teams often do with left field and first base.

There has been a movement in baseball, over the past decade, to rethink the second base position. Names like Mike Moustakas come to mind: power hitters with questionable gloves who can fake it at second base for a while, as their teams enjoy the benefits of having another plus bat in the lineup. The viability of this strategy was dampened with the advent of the 2023 shift ban, though, making it more difficult to hide a poor defender.

Moustakas also wasn’t a full-time second baseman, only playing there for an entire campaign in the shortened 2020 season. He wasn’t terrible there. In his 613 innings, he was worth -2 outs above average (OAA) at the position. That doesn’t sound good, but compared to the Twins’ primary second basemen, well, you’d be surprised.

Arraez accumulated -15 OAA across 1,248 innings at second base as a Twin, and Polanco wasn’t much better, racking up -16 OAA over 2,273 innings after sliding into the position. At the pace Moustakas accumulated OAA, he would have had -4 with Arraez’s innings and -8 with Polanco’s. Julien has played 1,343 innings at second base and comes in at -9 OAA, about in line with Polanco at half the innings and better than Arraez with about the same number of innings—though still worse than the Moustakas benchmark. And remember, zero is average.

Beyond the quick turnover among the everyday players, the Twins have also gone a year and a half without an everyday second baseman, which again suggests the left-fieldification of the position in Minnesota. Hopefully, the emergence of Luke Keaschall will bring new stability to the position, but he has also looked shaky in the field.

Much of that may be attributed to not playing in the field much over the past calendar year due to a UCL tear and broken arm, so it’s too early to assume he’ll be rough, but in his first 276 innings, he’s already been worth -2 OAA. That’s only about 30 games' worth of time, so don’t overreact, but if that sort of play continues, so will the shakiness of one of the most important defensive positions for your Minnesota Twins.

Other players to have played the position since 2019 with any level of semi-regularity include middle-of-the-pack (or worse) defenders Willi Castro (2023-2025, 522 innings, -1 OAA), Nick Gordon (2021-2023, 431 innings, 1 OAA), Brooks Lee (2024-2025, 319 innings, -3 OAA), Kody Clemens (2025, 280 innings, 1 OAA), and Donovan Solano (2023, 117 innings, -1 OAA). The only two Twins defenders since Schoop (983 innings, 4 OAA) to show any hint of above-average defense at second were Farmer (2023-2024, 586 innings, 5 OAA) and Marwin Gonzalez (2019-2020, 184 innings, 3 OAA).

Of course, defensive statistics are messy, and you can quibble with them, but OAA’s assessment lines up with the eye test for most (if not all) of the players listed above.

It’s perplexing. For the better part of a decade, the position has essentially been left field 2.0, where defense is often overlooked and players tend to stay for only a short time. Many Twins players have been earmarked as second basemen, which may explain some of the turnover—in part because shortstop and third base have been more locked down this decade—but it’s been a revolving door of poor defenders who can sometimes (actually, I’ll give them this, it’s been most of the time) hit well. They’ve even tried Mickey Gasper there, for crying out loud.

This may speak to an organizational philosophy, downplaying the importance of second base defense, a lack of development of infield skills, poor scouting, or a combination of all three. Who knows? I just saw Austin Martin starting a game at second last week, and it got me thinking about the question in the teaser—when is the last time the Twins had a good defensive everyday second baseman? Maybe the better one is: When will they have one again?

Oh, and to answer the question, here are the Twins to have played second base this year, from most appearances to least: Clemens, Castro, Lee, Keaschall, Julien, Jonah Bride, Ryan Fitzgerald, Martin, Gasper, Ty France. No Royce Lewis, at least not yet. Admit it, though: you'd forgotten Jonah Bride ever existed.

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[The Mad King]

Defense? But Rocco fills out his lineup card depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher. Defense be damned!

[JBK]

Rocco does what the AI on his tablet tells him to do.  Why do you think Mickey Gaspar PH's and plays catcher so much?  It's the algorithm baby!!

[Julian Bernick]

"Admit it, though: you'd forgotten Jonah Bride ever existed."  -  Though I have watched 80% of the games this year (at least), I could only name 7/10 of the starters.  OK, I did come up with France, but I couldn't convince myself that had actually happened, so not sure if that counts as #8 or not.  I am now so used to Lee at SS, that I forgot Lee at 2B (!)   And yes-- I forgot Jonah Bride ever existed (which is odd, considering how much he pitched.)

I get that there are always guys who are going to move around and I value guys like Castro who can really pull this off.  But does anyone crunch the #s on how much better defense is if guys actually stick at one position and how many runs it's worth (or not?)  I don't think TK would have bought into moving already poor defenders between positions constantly... because defense wins ballgames and bolsters your pitching, which wins ballgames... and also probably increases offense since the hitters know how to do their jobs on the field and reduce their stress there... so they can lock in at the plate (?)

Also, GET OFF MY LAWN

[shimrod]

Twins value defensive versatility over defensive quality. You can have one or the other, not both.

Twins have, recently, shown signs of adapting to the modern (throwback) game. They're running and bunting. Perhaps they'll begin to allow their players to focus on and master a primary position. 

[David Maro]

This shows the Falvey and Rocco era can't draft or trade for solid position players. With Rocco's management strategies he wants players to play multiple positions. The only reason Keaschall is at 2nd only now is because of the TJ he is recovering from. And don't forget Rocco wanted Lewis at 2nd who did say no. This organization is a clown show and Chicago will no longer be the last place team in the division.

[stringer bell]

I believe that Keaschall can be a plus defender at second and I also believe it might best serve both him and the Twins for him to stay there. His injury has slowed his defensive growth and he is far from a finished product.

To the more general discussion about team defense, the Twins have had too many part time players best suited to utility roles. The hash that results from moving guys all over has hurt overall defense. 

[DJL44]

The Twins have been devaluing defense at 2B for at least a quarter century. Luis Rivas, Todd Walker, Brendan Harris, Alexi Casilla, Michael Cuddyer, 

Brian Dozier was a decent fielder and he might be the only one developed by the Twins. Free agents Schoop, Orlando Hudson and Luis Castillo could play defense but it wasn't valued highly enough to keep them on the team long-term.

[tony&rodney]

41 minutes ago, shimrod said:

Twins value defensive versatility over defensive quality. You can have one or the other, not both.

Twins have, recently, shown signs of adapting to the modern (throwback) game. They're running and bunting. Perhaps they'll begin to allow their players to focus on and master a primary position. 

You bring up a good point in your second paragraph and I'm hopeful that this unexpected change will continue into next season. 

I know what you mean with your first point but the Twins are wedded to potential offensive slugging which puts players at any open position. We have not seen any focus towards defense. 

Second base has been bad but since Max Kepler left, the biggest hole has been right field. Hopefully there will be competent defensive players arriving in the next year or two. If that happens I think there will be a real awakening or awareness of just how bad the current roster is at playing defense.

[Doctor Gast]

"This may speak to an organizational philosophy, downplaying the importance of second base defense, a lack of development of infield skills, poor scouting, or a combination of all three."

I think you hit the nail on the head; Twins have many faulty organizational philosophies, downplaying the importance of the keystone position, is one of them. As long they hit the way they like, they'll prop you up & try to hide you there. Yet the keystone is very important. You need positional IQ, range & quick reactions to get to ball hit up the middle, sure hands & able to turn a smooth DP (pitchers best friend). This philosophy has cost us many runs through the years. IMO, many times def. stats don't justifies the damage. Do you think they'll see their error & completely change their philosophy on defense? I've been waiting a long time.

[jmlease1]

While defense at 2B for the Twins lately has been on the decline, this article needs better historical research. 2B hasn't been the home of light-hitting defensive players for quite some time, and historically it was a hitters position for quite a long time before the run of it being ok to send out a speedy no-hit guy who couldn't actually play SS to 2B. I'd say it's notable that Cleveland decided to trade 3-time gold glove 2B Gimenez for an A-ball prospect and salary relief...and that the big contract extension that Toronto gave him looks pretty concerning.

It's not a trend that started this decade to try and stretch hitters to 2B in MLB even if it's been a Twins trend. (Alfonso Soriano, anyone?)

We'll see what Keaschall's defense looks like after he's had more time and reps in the spot and is further removed from TJ and a busted arm. He's certainly got the quickness to get to enough balls, and it's too soon to give up on his glove (having seen it with more than a few infielders over the years, we know that a guy can go from looking like he's got a frying pan out there instead of a glove to being more than solid).

But it also wasn't really that long ago in the greater scheme of things that the Twins had Brian Dozier manning 2B. The real issue for the Twins is they haven't found a guy that they could plug in at 2B every day who could produce on both sides of the ball. 

[saviking]

Simple solution. Move Keaschall to first and bring up Culpepper to play 2nd next year. Solve 2 positions. 

[tony&rodney]

Luke Keaschall looks a little rough fielding ground balls and hasn't exactly been too stellar at chasing weak bloops into the shallow outfield either. However, Keaschall is quick and he is getting to batted balls that some of our other second baseman were waving at or just meekly pulling up because they lack the quickness, speed, or instincts needed to make a play. Keaschall could improve quite a bit in time. In some ways he reminds me of Koskie, a guy who became a solid defensive player. In any event Luke Keaschall is still at the point where he is learning how to play baseball. I'm hopeful because he has the physical talent to become a solid regular.

[FlyingFinn]

Admittedly, I haven't watched many Twins games lately - so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Is 2023 Julien much different than 2025 Keaschall? Defensively, from what I've seen, neither looks great. I've seen Keaschall botch some easy double play grounders. And Keaschall's arm has looked bad (it's going to get better, correct?). I was excited about Julien's hitting in 2023 and have the same excitement for Keaschall. Julien stole 10-20 bases per year in the minors and that didn't translate to MLB. But Keaschall's speed has translated. 

In summary, I love Keaschall and pray that he continues everything he's done offensively in future years.

[DJL44]

4 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Luke Keaschall looks a little rough fielding ground balls and hasn't exactly been too stellar at chasing weak bloops into the shallow outfield either. However, Keaschall is quick and he is getting to batted balls that some of our other second baseman were waving at or just meekly pulling up because they lack the quickness, speed, or instincts needed to make a play. Keaschall could improve quite a bit in time. In some ways he reminds me of Koskie, a guy who became a solid defensive player. In any event Luke Keaschall is still at the point where he is learning how to play baseball. I'm hopeful because he has the physical talent to become a solid regular.

Keaschall is sure to improve as he rehabs his arm. Right now he can't throw at all which gives him no chance to make an off-balance play.

[tony&rodney]

Just now, DJL44 said:

Keaschall is sure to improve as he rehabs his arm. Right now he can't throw at all which gives him no chance to make an off-balance play.

I agree. I'm actually a little bullish on Keaschall's prospects for playing good defense because I see him getting better/stronger once he has a full winter of healing. He has looked good at the plate but I'm a little concerned about him becoming too pull oriented or passive in 3-2 counts. Right now, Luke has been great with a bat. Hopefully he builds from here.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, shimrod said:

Twins value defensive versatility over defensive quality. You can have one or the other, not both.

Twins have, recently, shown signs of adapting to the modern (throwback) game. They're running and bunting. Perhaps they'll begin to allow their players to focus on and master a primary position. 

Super utility is very valuable & very few can do it well. So, I agree with you that it's better to find our best 2B man & keep him there to develop into the best 2Bman he can be at an important position.

[jjswol]

2 hours ago, shimrod said:

Twins value defensive versatility over defensive quality. You can have one or the other, not both.

Twins have, recently, shown signs of adapting to the modern (throwback) game. They're running and bunting. Perhaps they'll begin to allow their players to focus on and master a primary position. 

With the constant line-up changes, versatiliy is critical to the Twins. Just because you can play a certain position and get by doesn't mean you should. The current Twins regime should be should be let go after the last pitch of 2025 is thrown.

[Road trip]

1. You can find a 2B that can hit.

2. You can find a 2B that is a good fielder.

3. You can find a 2B that is inexpensive.

At best, long term, you will get two of the three listed above, because any 2B that can hit AND field well will become expensive in a few short years.

The one thing we can be pretty confident about is that the Twins FO will choose option #3 for 2B, as well as several other positions on the diamond.  Thus, the only way out of this dilemma is player development, be it Luke Keaschall or someone else.  

[USAFChief]

"Anybody can play anywhere."

-R Baldelli

[Blyleven2011]

I read from top to bottoms and yes second base is shakey on defense for now , keaschall should improve with defense if the coaching staff is doing it's job ...

This article also represents a problem at other positions on defense , they're not all that good ...

[RpR]

1 minute ago, Blyleven2011 said:

I read from top to bottoms and yes second base is shakey on defense for now , keaschall should improve with defense if the coaching staff is doing it's job ...

This article also represents a problem at other positions on defense , they're not all that good ...

"...should improve..." the cry  on TD, too bad reality usually thinks otherwise.

[DocBauer]

Jeff Kent says hello.

I don't think 2B has been a defense first position for a couple decades or more. But I also think it's really hard to find one that is quality defensively AND offensively. 

I think Keaschall has a chance to be one of those guys though. He's missed so much field time by being restricted to 1B/DH almost exclusively until mid ST this year due to his elbow and subsequent surgery. And then he misses 2 months this season with a broken arm.

He's got the speed and athleticism to get to balls, including those deep in the hole. He's also got the speed and athleticism to chase pop-ups in to the OF. The awkwardness he shows at times actually fielding the ball should smooth out with time. 

Down the road, there's also the possibility of K-Pepper playing 2B if/when Houston might replace Lee. Keaschall probably becomes a LF/DH/1B at that point. But I've got faith he's going to settle in at 2B nicely. 

[Greggory Masterson]

14 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I don't think 2B has been a defense first position for a couple decades or more. But I also think it's really hard to find one that is quality defensively AND offensively. 

I’ve gotten a couple of comments on this, and I agree that the slide has been happening longer than the past decade, but it accelerated a lot in the recent past. And yes, you can cite examples like Kent, Soriano, or someone like Daniel Murphy, but they’re still the exceptions. I wrote a couple years ago about balancing the bat and glove at second to produce value, and I agree.

however, the weakest hitting position in baseball this season is second base, implying that good defense is still valued there, probably highly, by most organizations. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

4 hours ago, saviking said:

Simple solution. Move Keaschall to first and bring up Culpepper to play 2nd next year. Solve 2 positions. 

Who plays shortstop in this scenario? Lee is not a quality defensive SS yet.

[Road trip]

2 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

 

I'm not sure but I always felt Rod Carew was one of our best 2B.  Maybe the hitting masked his fielding though.  Dozier seemed OK also.

I think the Twins tolerated decent at best defense from both Carew and Dozier because they could hit.  Neither graded out well statistically... his last couple of years at 2B Carew was an absolute error machine (33 in one year!!), which was part of the reason he moved to 1B.

Knoblauch was both an excellent fielder and hitter when young, but then his defense at 2B fell apart with the Yankees when he suddenly lost the ability to throw accurately.

Prior to Knoblauch, Lombardozzi was a very solid defender... but he couldn't hit at all.

[jmlease1]

5 hours ago, saviking said:

Simple solution. Move Keaschall to first and bring up Culpepper to play 2nd next year. Solve 2 positions. 

The classic Twins Daily reaction to a prospect not being perfect in every aspect: let's move on to the next guy!

If Keaschall can play average or better defense at 2B and hit anywhere near where's been in this truncated rookie season, he's a huge asset. Why would we want to move him to 1B now and still not have 2B solved?

How about we just give Keaschall the opportunity to take 100 grounders a day in the offseason and get reps with his throwing, and see where he's at in a Spring Training where he's actually allowed to throw?

[twinstalker]

Keaschall should be good.  He just needs health, reps, and maybe an offseason of working really hard at it.  He seems the type that would, though I have my doubts the staff is going to prioritize it.  Under Kelly (and even Gardenhire) the team didn't accept poor fielding.  While I disagreed with a good amount of the mythology surrounding it, the "Twins Way" was a real thing.  Fielding, baserunning, and all fundamentals were requirements.

[Mahoning]

Jonah Bride played 2B for the Saints last night! (They lost again.)

[jorgenswest]

Almost all second baseman are shortstops in the low minors and were shortstops in college if drafted a from there. Players like Keaschall, Julien and Steer did not leave college as shortstops. At the draft the Twins had to know that it was going to be a stretch for them to play up the middle at the major league level. The Twins chose skill with the bat over skill with the glove. Noah Miller was an exception but they moved on from him.

It might be a good strategy. Developing an adequate glove might be easier than developing an adequate bat. How much impact does a swing of 4 or 5 OAA have on a season? Keaschall’s bat and an adequate second base can help the Twins win. Above average glove or above average bat? If you can only have one which do you prefer?