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Tim Beckham could make impact on Minnesota Twins

By David Hill

Jul 4, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Tim Beckham (1) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a solo-home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Tim Beckham (1) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a solo-home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Twins have plenty of needs in the infield. While Jorge Polanco is set to handle one of the two middle infield spots, the other position may be a bit of a revolving door. The corner infield spots appear to be set with Miguel Sano and Josh Donaldson at first and third respectively, but Donaldson is hardly someone that has been synonymous with health over the years.

It made sense that the Twins would look for someone to fill those voids on the roster. They may have found that option in utility man Tim Beckham, who has signed a minor league contract that will pay him $1 million if he makes the major league roster.

Minnesota Twins perfect spot for Tim Beckham

Should Beckham earn a spot on the major league roster, it would be his first appearance in the bigs since 2019. He had been a solid piece for the Mariners that season, posting a league average 100 OPS+, but saw his season cut short when he was suspended for 80 games due to a positive PED test.

More Twins. Beckham signs minor league deal. light

At this point, Beckham is known more for being the first overall selection in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Rays than anything he has actually done on the diamond. That selection has been even more notable given the Rays ongoing issues at catcher considering that Buster Posey was taken with the fifth overall selection.

Suffice to say that Beckham has not been close to what anyone had hoped for when he was drafted. He has posted a lifetime .249/.302/.431 batting line in his 1751 plate appearances, hitting 63 homers and 75 doubles. However, his decent pop and ability to play around the infield, as well as his time in left, could make him a valuable player to have on the bench.

That would certainly be the case with the Twins. While they do have several prospects that could take over at short in the near future, none of them are ready. Beckham could hold the fort down in a utility role, especially if Luis Arraez takes over the full time job at second.

Next. Time to figure out the Nick Gordon puzzle. dark

The Minnesota Twins are taking a chance on Tim Beckham. Despite signing a minor league deal, there is a good chance he could help the major league roster.

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