The Twins have signed outfielder J.B. Shuck to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite, MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger tweets. SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo first noted that the two sides were in talks.
The 29-year-old Shuck collected 241 plate appearances with the White Sox in 2016 but batted a mere .205/.248/.299. He also graded out poorly on defense and finished the season with -1.7 fWAR, finishing ahead of only three other position players throughout the big leagues.
Shuck does, however, carry a lifetime .300/.375/.386 line in parts of six seasons at Triple-A, and he has logged time at all three outfield positions. He could provide good depth for an organization that currently features a mix of young outfielders that includes Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, and Max Kepler along with Danny Santana and Robbie Grossman.
My team didn’t sign him? Aw, Shucks.
*sits in corner*
Lol
I bet ur kids laughed
This Twins fan cannot help but wonder why they would sign a light-hitting, mediocre fielding, 29-year-old outfielder, even to a minor league contract. What is the upside?
If they end up unloading more OF, Schuck would be a warm body. Nothing more than that, and he can fill out a AAA roster.
Every team invites 60-plus guys to spring training. If he’s a good dude, and can help show the younger players what it’s like to represent solidly as a professional, that seems reason enough.
It never hurts to have depth in case of injury.
It’s just a minor league deal. It caused literally no harm to anyone.