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Minnesota Twins: What’s on their post-lockout to-do list

By Eric Treuden

Mar 3, 2021; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; A general view of a fountain and Minnesota Twins logo outside CenturyLink Sports Complex prior to the spring training game between the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2021; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; A general view of a fountain and Minnesota Twins logo outside CenturyLink Sports Complex prior to the spring training game between the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 28: Andrelton Simmons #9 of the Minnesota Twins throws the ball to first base to get out Harold Castro of the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning of the game at Target Field on September 28, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 28: Andrelton Simmons #9 of the Minnesota Twins throws the ball to first base to get out Harold Castro of the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning of the game at Target Field on September 28, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Twins should look to re-sign Andrelton Simmons

After Andrelton Simmons departed via free agency, the current Twins depth chart has Jorge Polanco moving back to shortstop full-time and utilityman Luis Arraez starting at second.

While Polanco has emerged as one of the top bats in their lineup, he is best suited for second base and Luis Arraez should still be the club’s backup infield and outfielder. The 24-year old Arraez is capable of playing all over the diamond and is one of the game’s peskiest slap hitters who has served Minnesota well in a utility role.

Enter 32-year old Andrelton Simmons, one of the best defensive shortstops the game has ever seen. Last season was Simmons’ first season as a Twin and, while his defensive chops are still as sharp as ever (2.3 dWAR in 131 games), he struggled mightily on offense.

Across 451 plate appearances in 2021, Andrelton Simmons managed to hit just three home runs and had a .223/.283/.274 batting line to go with his ghastly wRC+ of 56 (100 and up is considered good). The entire offensive line on the back of his baseball card is well below-average, but Simmons’ game has always been and always will be led by his defense. Since his debut in 2012 with the Braves, Simmons has won four Gold Glove awards and is a six-time Fielding Bible Award winner. That’s the most all-time at the shortstop position.

With no clear internal options available behind a mixture of Arraez, Polanco, and Nick Gordon, the Minnesota Twins could certainly use Andrelton Simmons at the shortstop position for at least one more season. With exciting prospect Royce Lewis looming in the minor leagues, he could be ready to take over as soon as 2023.

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