The Minnesota Twins and Donovan Solano reportedly sign a one-year, $2 million contract to bring Solano to The Gopher State. There are also incentives that could bring in an additional $250,000. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported the agreement.
Last Season
Solano was with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2022 season. In 278 at-bats he hit .284 with 16 doubles and 22 runs scored. He appeared in 80 games playing infield positions at first, second, and shortstop as well as DH. He also added that veteran leadership for the Reds’ younger players like Aristides Aquino, Jonathan India, and Alejo Lopez. He also formed a nice bond with Kyle Farmer and now finds himself a teammate again with Farmer. The Twins acquired Farmer from the Reds in November 2022.
Immediate Help
The Minnesota Twins sign Donovan Solano after having been in talks with his agent since early January. They were viewing him as a player who could fit their roster in multiple ways and bring immediate help and leadership to their infield.
Primarily a second baseman, Solano also brings experience at third base (49 games) and at shortstop (42 games). He has seen time at first and in the outfield putting him in the “utility player” category. In addition, he provides starts at DH, primarily against left-handed pitching.
Popular Teammate
Donovan Solano’s signing with the Twins makes it his fifth team in his ten-year career. He has been a popular teammate on every team. As a leader, he keeps the players in the dugout relaxed and in good spirits and is an excellent communicator in the clubhouse. Solano has also been a fan favorite in the cities of the big-league teams for whom he’s played. He is available to fans, signing autographs and just talking.
Outlook
At this point in his career, Solano is likely at his best as a platoon bat against left-handed pitching. The Twins feature a regular left-handed hitting first baseman, Alex Kirilloff, as well as a switch-hitting second baseman, Jorge Polanco. So, it is easy to see why they added Solano to the mix—he can fill in at either position when the starters need a day off.
Solano is limited offensively. He doesn’t have much power, but he has one standout skill: hitting line drives, especially in the alley. He makes the most of it on the base paths.
Another Strong Move
This is another strong move made by the Twins this off-season as they look to compete in the American League Central division in 2023. The team has put a lot of great pieces in place to set themselves up for a winning season. As we know, the last two seasons have resulted in disappointment for this organization and its fans. Last season they led the division for 92 days before injuries and a lack of timely hitting and pitching caught up to them as they lost the lead and finished in third place.
We know it will not be an easy task but adding a veteran player in Solano is a good move. With his leadership, he could end up making a huge impact both on the field and in the clubhouse for the Twins.
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