Tag Archives: Minnesota Twins

Carlos Correa Returning to Houston Astros

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Carlos Correa is preparing for an astronomical return…

The Houston Astros have reacquired the 30-year-old Puerto Rican professional baseball in a shocking blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Twins just before the MLB trade deadline Thursday.

Carlos Correa Correa, a Rookie of the Year and a two-time MLB All-Star in his prior stint with the Astros, waived his no-trade clause in order to make the deal happen.

He has also agreed to play third base, sharing the left side of the infield with Jeremy Pena.

“I had some conversations with the front office in Minnesota, and we were not moving [the direction] I thought we were after making the playoffs [in 2023],” Correa told MLB.com on Thursday, “and they agreed with me that it was time to move me.

“I let them know there was only one team I would allow that to happen.”

The Astros went into the trade deadline prioritizing a left-handed hitter and a starter, but third baseman Isaac Paredes could miss the rest of the season with a serious hamstring injury, prompting them to get aggressive in a trade for Correa.

Moments later, their need for a left-handed hitter was also filled — in a deal to acquire outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins.

The trade amounted to a salary dump, with the Twins, up for sale since last October, clearly motivated to shed financial obligations during the trade deadline. The Twins agreed to take on only $33 million of the remaining $104 million owed to Correa through 2028 and thus did not get much prospect capital in return for one of the sport’s most recognizable players. Matt Mikulski, a 26-year-old lefty who is still in A ball, went from the Astros’ system to the Twins’.

The Marlins received shortstop Chase Jaworsky, a top-10 prospect in the Astros’ system, as well as minor league outfielder Esmil Valencia and major league right-hander Ryan Guston in exchange for Sanchez.

A former No. 1 pick out of high school in Puerto Rico in 2012, Correa was one of the faces of an Astros team that won the World Series in 2017 and became the most successful American League franchise in recent years.

This year, though, Correa’s numbers are down. He is slashing .267/.319/.386 with seven home runs in 93 games.

“This is a big move for the team, for the city, for where we’re going in the future,” Houston general manager Dana Brown said. “We feel like … he’s just going to bring a lot, not only as a player but as a human being — his leadership skills and the energy that he’s going to bring to this club. So I’m fired up.”

This will be Correa’s first time playing third base in the majors, but he told MLB.com it’s something he had been looking forward to.

“I’ve been wanting to play third base for the past couple of years, but it wasn’t happening in Minnesota,” Correa said. “We were waiting for a shortstop to come in, and now that I get to play third base it would be great for me at this stage of my career.”

Sanchez, 27, has slashed .246/.312/.432 with 69 homers and 29 steals in 522 games with the Marlins from 2021 to 2025, during which he played mostly right field. He is controllable through 2027.

Chicago Cubs Acquire Willi Castro from Minnesota Twins

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Willi Castro is headed to the Windy City.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired the 28-year-old Puerto Rican super utility player from the Minnesota Twins for two prospects.

Willi Castro,Castro fills a need for the team.

He played six positions for Minnesota this season — seven if you count an inning on the mound — mostly splitting time equally at second, left and right field.

Castro is likely to see time at third base for Chicago, especially when there is a tough righty on the mound, as he’ll split time there with rookie Matt Shaw.

“I think having a guy like that kind of protects us in a lot of spots,” Jeff Hoyer said of Castro. “He was a very obvious fit in that regard.”

To make room on the active roster, Ryan Pressly, who opened the season as the Cubs’ closer, was designated for assignment.

Castro is joining his third team after starting his career with the Detroit Tigers then playing the last three seasons for the Twins. He’s a career .245 hitter with 55 home runs over his seven big league seasons. He’ll be a free agent at the end of this year.

In return, the Twins are getting Double-A pitchers Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong. Gallagher, 22, has a .386 ERA split between Single and Double-A this season while Armstrong has a 2.87 mark across several minor league levels. Neither is considered a top prospect in the Cubs system.

Philadelphia Phillies Acquire Jhoan Duran from Minnesota Twins

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Jhoan Duran is preparing to close things out in Philadelphia…

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired the 27-year-old Dominican professional baseball pitcher, one of baseball’s best relievers, and they paid a high price to the Minnesota Twins to get it done.

Jhoan Duran,Minnesota received catcher Eduardo Tait, regarded as a top 100 prospect, and pitcher Mick Abel, a rookie with six years of team control.

They’re ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among the Phillies’ minor league prospects, per ESPN.

Duran is known for two wipeout pitches — a fastball with an average velocity of 100.2 mph and a curveball he throws in the mid-80s — and he’s among the most dominant closers.

David Dombrowski, the Phillies’ head of baseball operations, again aggressively worked to plug a major hole in his bullpen.

The Phillies have a deep and powerful rotation and a lineup comprised of sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, but their bullpen has been a problem area, again.

Jordan Romano, who was signed in the offseason, has struggled, and Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Alvarado will be back to pitch in August, but because of his suspension, he is ineligible to pitch in the playoffs and World Series, if the Phillies get that far.

The Phillies have 16 blown saves this season, tied for fourth-most in the NL. And they’ve struggled to find a permanent closer, as five different players have multiple blown saves, tied for third-most in the majors, only trailing the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels, who both have six.

Dombrowski has a long track record of being willing to trade high prices in midseason deals. Last year, he aggressively moved for Carlos Estevez.

The Phillies have an older roster. Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto are eligible for free agency at season’s end, and the general perception within the industry is that the team is in a window to win right now.

Tait, 18, is hitting .251 with 11 homers for Class-A Clearwater. Abel was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2020 and progressed to the big leagues for the first time this season.

Tampa Bay Rays Slugger Junior Caminero to Compete in MLB’s Home Run Derby

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Junior Caminero is ready to come out swinging…

The 22-year-old Dominican professional baseball infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, who leads all American League third basemen in home runs, said Wednesday that he’ll take part in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta.

Junior Caminero“I’m going to put on a show. I’m going to try to put on a show just to give the fans the opportunity to get to know me, see my power,” Caminero said before Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. “Just being there with all those other [MLB] All-Stars, it’s going to be something very special.”

Caminero followed that up by hitting his 22nd home run of the season in the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game. He is batting .254 with 58 RBIs in 87 games this season.

He is the sixth contestant for the Home Run Derby, joining Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins and Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MLB still has to name two more contestants to fill out the field of eight sluggers.

Caminero was chosen as a replacement for the MLB All-Star Game earlier this week as a substitute for the Boston Red Sox‘s injured Alex Bregman.

Caminero will be the fourth Tampa Bay player to compete in the Home Run Derby, joining Evan Longoria (2008), Carlos Pena (2009) and Randy Arozarena (2023).

Jose Ramirez Becomes First Cleveland Guardians Player to Reach 250 Career Home Runs & 250 Steals

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Jose Ramirez is Guard(ian)ing his legacy…

The 32-year-old Dominican professional baseball third baseman, the Cleveland Guardians’ six-time MLB All-Star, became the first third baseman in club history to reach 250 career homers and 250 steals.

Jose RamirezRamirez reached the mark on Thursday during the 10th inning of a 4-3 win against the Minnesota Twins.

Ramirez smiled broadly when the public-address announcer and scoreboard showed the milestone.

He got aboard with an RBI base hit, then stole second base and scored the game-winning run on Angel Martinez‘s single.

“At that moment, the last thing you’re thinking is any milestones or personal records,” Ramirez said through an interpreter. “To me it was where we had the chance to get running, obviously get in a position where I can score with a base hit given the situation of the game.”

Ramirez is the seventh player in MLB history to record 250 career home runs and stolen bases with a single franchise, according to ESPN Research, joining Derek Jeter (Yankees), Craig Biggio (Astros), Barry Bonds (Giants), Ryne Sandberg (Cubs), Robin Yount (Brewers) and Willie Mays (Giants).

Ramirez dazzles his teammates on an almost daily basis, so it’s not a surprise to them that he has added his name to another elite list.

“It’s a testament to hard work for a really long time and being really, really good for a long time,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “He came through big with the hit and then he gets the stolen base in the milestone and scores a winning run as well. He should have. He just continues to get accolade after accolade and I really enjoy watching it.”

Jorge Polanco Agrees to One-Year, $7.75 Million Deal with Seattle Mariners

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Jorge Polanco is a marinero again…

The 31-year-old Dominican professional baseball infielder will return to the Seattle Mariners after agreeing to a one-year, $7.75 million contract, per ESPN.

Jorge PolancoIn the process, the Mariners filled a hole at third base.

The deal includes a vesting option for 2026 that is based on plate appearances, according to The Athletic, which first reported the agreement.

Polanco, a switch-hitter, had his best season in 2019, producing an .841 OPS with 22 home runs and finishing 13th in American League MVP voting. His offensive numbers remained solid from 2021 to 2023, during which he slashed .255/.333/.462 and posted a 120 adjusted OPS with the Minnesota Twins. 

But Polanco’s production dipped in Seattle, which has historically been difficult on hitters. He hit 16 home runs in 118 games and maintained his discipline within the strike zone in 2024, but his OPS finished at a career-low .651 and his adjusted OPS, which adjusts for park factors, was seven percentage points below the league average.

The Mariners boast a young, dynamic starting rotation that is arguably the best in the AL but have been held back for years by a lack of consistent offensive production. Their pitching staff held the second-lowest ERA in the majors last year, but their offense ranked 22nd in OPS, prompting them to miss the playoffs for a second straight time after a breakthrough 2022 season.

The Mariners are hoping a full season of Randy Arozarena, whom they acquired before the trade deadline last July, and a bounce-back campaign from young superstar Julio Rodriguez will go a long way toward improving their lineup. But they’d still like to add another bat, even with Polanco’s return. Second and first base remain positions the team can upgrade.

Donovan Solano Agrees to One-Year, $3.5 Million Deal with Seattle Mariners

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Donovan Solano is headed to the Emerald City.

The 37-year-old Colombian professional baseball infielder has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

Donovan SolanoSolano can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $200,000 each for 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500.

Solano hit .286 with eight homers and 35 RBIs in 96 games with the San Diego Padres last year, including .302 (32 for 106) with four home runs against left-handers.

He is a .279 career hitter with 40 homers and 279 RBIs in 11 major league seasons with the Miami Marlins (2012-15), the New York Yankees (2016), San Francisco (2019-21), Cincinnati (2022), Minnesota (2023) and San Diego.

Since 2019 Solano is hitting .294 with 31 homers and 180 RBIs.

“Donovan has been among the most underrated hitters in the game over the past six years,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.

Solano also gets a hotel suite on road trips. He would receive $50,000 for election to the MLB All-Star team and $25,000 for selection. Solano also can earn $150,000 for MVP, $100,000 for World Series MVP and $50,000 each for League Championship Series MVP, Gold Glove or Silver Slugger.

Left-hander Austin Kitchen was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

He made his major league debut for Miami at Tampa Bay Rays on July 30, went 0-1 with a 14.14 ERA in one start and three relief appearances and was claimed off waivers by Seattle on September 9.

Adrian Beltre Officially Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

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Adrian Beltre is officially a Hall of Famer…

The 45-year-old Dominican former professional baseball third baseman and Texas Rangers great was officially welcomed into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday during the annual induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center.

Adrian BeltreBeltre, who finished his 21-year career with 3,166 hits and five Gold Gloves at third base, was enshrined along with Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer and Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, the latter pair becoming baseball’s newest one-team Hall of Famers. That puts the Hall’s membership at 273 among those who entered as players.

Also inducted was longtime manager Jim Leyland, who piloted four teams, including the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins. Leyland represented the Detroit Tigers, whom he managed from 2006 to 2013 and led to a pair of American League pennants.

Beltre struck a playful tone with many of his remarks, which he said were “maybe 25%” improvised. He was perhaps buoyed by Hall of Famer David Ortiz, who approached Beltre on stage and patted him on the head. Beltre is famously averse to having his head touched.

“That never relaxes me,” Beltre said. “But it was a little c,ue to go back to the days when I was playing, and it’s like ‘OK, get ready to go out there and do your best with the speech.'”

Beltre, who played with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Rangers, is one of only two players to have over 3,000 hits, 400 homers and at least five Gold Gloves. The other was Willie Mays, who was recognized before the speeches, along with the other Hall of Famers who died since last year’s induction: Whitey Herzog, Brooks Robinson and Orlando Cepeda.

Beltre is the fifth player born in the Dominican Republic to be enshrined, the last being Ortiz — a member of the 2022 Hall class. As with Ortiz, there was a sizable contingent of Dominican fans on hand, along with a strong turnout of Texas fans.

While acknowledging some of his former teammates, Beltre cited retired ace “King Felix” Hernandez, whom he played with in Seattle.

“To that guy who call himself ‘King,'” Beltre said. “I loved [playing] with you. But I loved hitting against you even more.”

The 2½-hour event unfolded under pleasant skies in Cooperstown, a welcome respite for an event that has often taken place in broiling conditions.

Minnesota Twins’ José Miranda Ties MLB Record for Consecutive At-Bats

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José Miranda has swung into the MLB history books…

The 26-year-old Minnesota Twins infielder tied Major League Baseball history on Saturday, running his streak of consecutive at-bats with a hit to a record-tying 12 after a fourth-inning single against the Houston Astros.

Jose MirandaMiranda subsequently made his first out in days in the sixth inning, hitting a fly out to left fielder Chas McCormick that ended his bid at sole ownership of the record.

While Miranda’s attempt to become the first Major League Baseball player since at least 1961 to record a hit 11 plate appearances in a row was snapped earlier on Saturday, when he was hit by a pitch from Hunter Brown in the first inning, he did single in his first and second official at-bats.

Miranda set the Twins’ record for most consecutive hits with his 10th in a row on Friday night.

Miranda’s streak will live on in a three-way tie for the MLB record for most consecutive at-bats with a hit, alongside Walt Dropo (1952), Pinky Higgins (1938) and Johnny Kling (1902).

Jose MirandaAdditionally, Miranda is the only player in the Expansion Era to extend his consecutive hits streak to 12 at-bats in a row. Dustin Pedroia (2016) and Bernie Williams (2002) both ran streaks to 11.

Miranda, who served as DH on Friday, went 4-for-4 with a double and a home run.

He had previously recorded a 5-for-5 showing on Thursday, and had notched a hit in his final at-bat on Wednesday. In the process of linking together 10 straight hits, Miranda eclipsed the Twins’ all-time record for consecutive hits, previously established by three players since the team relocated to Minnesota: Tony Oliva in 1967, Mickey Hatcher in 1985, and Todd Walker in 1998.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli pinch-hit for Miranda with Austin Martin later in the game. The Twins were trailing by eight at the time. They would later cut that to one run, with Miranda’s spot due up next when the final out was recorded.

“Those guys, they play virtually every day and they’re doing a good job,” Baldelli explained afterward. “In an eight-run game, they’ve been on their feet for a while. No reason not to get them off.”

Miranda has been one of the most pleasant individual surprises of the season. In 71 games, he’s batted .324/.364/.529 (150 OPS+) with nine home runs and 21 additional extra-base hits. For those wondering, he’s seen his seasonal OPS improve from .822 to .901 over the last three games alone.

Jose Miranda Sets Minnesota Twins Team Record for Consecutive Hits

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Jose Miranda has broken a long-standing Twins record…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins set a team record on Friday night with hits in 10 consecutive plate appearances.

Jose MirandaMiranda eclipsed the mark of nine hits in a row set by Tony Oliva in 1967 and matched by Mickey Hatcher in 1985 and Todd Walker in 1998. Oliva still spends time with Twins players throughout the season, lending extra meaning to the accomplishment, according to Miranda.

“I talk to him a lot. It means a lot,” Miranda said. “You know, he’s a Hall of Famer, so you break a Hall of Famer’s record, it’s something pretty cool, I think.”

The major league record for consecutive hits is 12, by Detroit Tigers‘ Walt Dropo (1952), Boston Red Sox‘s Pinky Higgins (1938) and the Chicago Cubs‘ Johnny Kling (1902).

Miranda entered the game against the Houston Astros — a 13-12 loss — with hits in six straight trips to the plate and had hits in each of his four times up before he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

“I’ll come to the field tomorrow, do my stuff in the cage, get ready for the game, get ready for the pitcher I’m facing tomorrow,” Miranda said. “Then … you take it pitch by pitch and try to have a good at-bat.”

Miranda finished 4-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. He was batting .296 entering Wednesday night’s game when the streak began and has raised his average to .324.

He singled in the second inning and hit a 414-foot homer to left field in the third. Miranda tied the Twins’ record of nine straight hits with a two-run double in the fifth. He had his 10th straight hit — a single to right field — in the seventh.

With the Twins trailing 13-5 in the ninth, Austin Martin hit for Miranda and singled.