The Twins have signed outfielder Keon Broxton to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training, Dan Hayes of The Athletic relays. They’ve also added lefty Andrew Albers (previously reported) and righties Robinson Leyer and Chandler Shepherd on minors pacts.
Broxton, who will turn 31 in May, garnered quite a bit of playing time as a Brewer from 2016-17, in which he slashed a respectable .227/.318/.424 with 29 home runs and 44 stolen bases across 707 plate appearances. But Broxton struck out in more than 37 percent of PA during that span, and after he logged subpar production in 2018, the Brewers traded him to the Mets. Dating back to ’18, Broxton has combined for a .170/.253/.312 line with a horrid 41.6 percent strikeout rate as a Brewer, Met, Mariner and Oriole in 317 PA. He rejoined the Brewers on a minors contract before 2020 but didn’t see any action with the team last season.
Despite his recent struggles, Broxton could emerge as a useful backup outfield option in Minnesota, having put up 20 Defensive Runs Saved and a 9.7 Ultimate Zone Rating in 349 games in the grass. The Twins have two established outfielders (Byron Buxton in center and Max Kepler in right), while Broxton, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, Jake Cave and Brent Rooker could be among those competing for reps in left.
Garbage
You’re only happy when it rains
Yes the Twins approach now after giving Rosario away is to throw it on the wall and see if it sticks . Unfortunately, this is TOTAL DESPERATION
They got a gold glove ss in Simmons for Rosario ( a corner OF which they have internally / or can be filled rather cheaply later if need be). This also frees up Polanco to provide more value to the team
Ive made the mistake many times before questioning the Twins but have come to realize with age its just better not too – This is an under the radar top 5 run baseball franchise thru and thru.
Their offseason to date has been low key brilliant imo….the only thing they are lacking is that true captain they have been so accustomed too in the past (Puckett, Hrbek, Morris) to lead them…I truly hope JD becomes that person for the org
18 straight playoff losses including getting swept at Home without any trash cans. You were saying?
Too funny. As they say…..SCOREBOARD
Complete POS. Why does the article say he hit a respectable 227 and then say Villar had a disastrous 246 season? This guy should be working at Walmart. He was horrible with the Mets.
in 44 plate appearances across 707 plate appearances.
Typo
Makes perfect sense to me
I thought minnesota had a nice pipeline of outfielders waiting to show what they can do. I’d hate for broxton to take a spot away from the young guys coming up. Between Kiriloff Larnach and Rooker, where does he fit in?
None of those guys play CF.
Kepler can play center if needed.
I doubt Broxton is going to be taking time away from Kiriloff, Larnach or Rooker. At the very most, he’ll end up as the 4th outfielder.
Doesn’t being the 4th OF take time away from the other 2?
Just asking…
Not if you want the Larnach or Rooker getting everyday reps in AAA as opposed to sitting on the bench for Twins. But Cave is the 4th OF anyway.
Doubt they regulate someone as highly touted as Laranach to a 4th OF role to start the year. Rooker has experience at 1B as well and may even get more regular time given the inconsistent bat that is Miguel Sano.
Well I was thinking in regards to regular playing time should an injury happen. I’d rather shift kepler over and bring up Larnach or Rooker to play a corner outfield spot. Knowing the Twins they might put Broxton in center (sacrifice offense) instead. That I wouldn’t like.
No none of them play CF they are corner OF’ers
You should really read all the comments first. Broxton is pure hot garbage. Putting him in that lineup is would be an easy out and a total rally killer.
Seems like some people missed the part about him being 31 and on a minor league contract. Translation: cheap and disposable vet who would only see the field if injuries pile up or if he plays above the leave of his contract. It’s a no risk dart throw that doesn’t block anyone due to his age and career trajectory.
Solid defensive cf, struggles at the plate. Cant see him playing a game in that crowded minny outfield
Another Lakeland guy! Not very big place, but nice share of current and former players!
the future Jo Adell lol.
Broxton is the evil alter ego of Buxton.
Lol
Brockton bristles backing bustling Buxton.
when batting average is .227, 1/3 or 2/3 may be respectable, but not all. .227 is sometimes a hit or two from the mendoza line
Or a hit or two from a respectable average, it works both ways.
Not related, but remember when Mil was just brimming with young OF talent like 5-6 years ago……. Now they employ Cain Yelich and Garcia. and a weak minors system
Trading away Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison, and Isan Diaz has really come back to haunt them
Exactly Stevo ….I was thinking mostly Domingo/Broxton but those work as well……. Just something for prospect hoarders to remember
I remember Broxton bc at the time of the Yelich trade many people were against trading for an OF bc of blocking such dudes….
I think you meant to be snarky but ill flip this around to something digestible
Could be a september call up for defensive help and speed off the bench ? Of course only if he’s showing signs of life in the minors, otherwise this dude’s career is pretty much over and done
He is Minor League depth.
He’ll be playing CF for the Saints, at best.
He is just replacing the CF capable abilities of the recently traded Mr. Wade.
This dude rakes and hits bombs.
Rakes leaves in the fall for extra money when his AAA season is over. Or he can use his swing outside to blow the leaves off the lawn, because he can’t hit the baseball but he creates a lit if wind
Lot of wind, sorry.
When did .227/.318/.424 become respectable? With those kind of numbers, he’d better still be able to flash some of that soft, supple leather…
A .742 ops is pretty respectable for a CF with elite defense. For example JBJ’s career ops is .733. I’d say he is a respectable add for most teams.