Shortstop Erick Aybar is no longer in the Twins’ spring camp, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports (Twitter link), thus indicating that the veteran has decided to opt out of his minor league contract with the team. Today was Aybar’s opt-out date for his deal, and the infielder was told yesterday that he wouldn’t be making Minnesota’s Opening Day roster.
Rather than accept an assignment to the Twins’ Triple-A team, Aybar will now again test free agent waters to see if he can find a job with another team. The 34-year-old hasn’t provided much at the plate over the last three seasons (as a member of the Angels, Tigers, Braves, and Padres), and also posted just a .636 OPS for the Twins over 33 Spring Training plate appearances. His once-solid glovework has also been on the decline, with below-average UZR/150 and Defensive Runs Saved totals since 2015.
Given his recent track record and the glut of other free agents still on the market, Aybar’s decision to opt out is somewhat surprising, as he could’ve potentially had a path back to the big leagues due to the Twins’ lack of middle infield depth. Jorge Polanco’s 80-game PED suspension meant that Eduardo Escobar is now in line for regular shortstop duty, leaving Ehire Adrianza as Minnesota’s only utility infield option on the MLB roster. Third baseman Miguel Sano could also still be facing a suspension on assault charges, which would further leave the Twins thin on infielders, though Taylor Featherston and Gregorio Petit are also still in the organization on minor league contracts.
He sucks. He should know he sucks. Time for him to look in Japan or Korea, or simply retire
Perhaps you should write Aybar a letter to tell him this. He’d probably appreciate the fanmail
I agree he is not worth a spot on a major league roster, but I don’t get his opt out, polanco done for 80 is his best chance of playin on a potentially contending team in the majors this year
No if he sucks and he’s probably better than you what does that say about your abilities?
It’s pretty obvious he sucks compared to other MLB talents.
Spoken like a true jerkoff who has no respect for the game or the hard work players put in to get to that level and stay there.
Dont listen to JDGoat. He doesnt even watch baseball. All he does is make negative comments about other peoples opinions ..
…Heck, come to Kansas City. Isn’t any worse than Escobar. Maybe get him on the cheap?
Looking the remaining free agents available there aren’t many who bring the versatility, veteran leadership, in game knowledge and the know how to win. Cincinnati, Texas, Baltimore, Miami, Detroit and even a return to the Angels would all be great landing spots for Aybar and solid infield depth for those teams
Stupid move by Aybar. Brandon Phillips couldn’t find a job in this market, but Aybar thinks he could do better? Reality check time.
Twins could pivot to Yunel Escobar who hasn’t played SS for a few years, but his bat has always been solid. Aybar jumps back into the pool of unremarkable infielders who are all glove and no stick. Good luck with that.
escobar can barely play third. He wouldn’t last a week at shortstop, trust me
Feel bad for aybar