Outfielder Manuel Margot finds himself in transit once more, as per reports from ESPN. The Los Angeles Dodgers orchestrated a trade, sending Margot along with infield prospect Rayne Doncon to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for infield prospect Noah Miller on Monday.
Although neither team has formally declared the transaction, it marks another chapter in Margot’s journey.
Margot, aged 29, embarks on the final leg of his contract. His compensation for the upcoming season amounts to $10 million, accompanied by a $2 million buyout option for the club in 2025.
Notably, the Tampa Bay Rays are contributing $4 million to the arrangement, split between $2 million for the current year and an equal sum for the potential buyout. Consequently, Margot’s impact on the Twins’ roster comes at a cost of $8 million.
His career statistics showcase a commendable .281/.341/.420 batting line against left-handed pitchers, rendering him a valuable asset. Margot’s arrival bolsters the Twins’ center field depth, a crucial reinforcement given Byron Buxton’s injury-prone history.
While Buxton aims to reclaim his central role, Margot stands ready to provide adept coverage and serve as a proficient platoon candidate.
Meanwhile, for the Dodgers, this trade paves the way for the return of versatile utility player Enrique Hernández. Hernández himself disclosed his imminent reunion with the team and anticipated signing a one-year contract.
Renowned for his flexibility across multiple positions, Hernández offers a versatile alternative to Margot. Moreover, his prowess as a left-handed hitter aligns with the team’s strategy, complementing the likes of James Outman and Jason Heyward alongside Chris Taylor in a righty platoon setup.
In Noah Miller, aged 21 and the 36th pick in the 2021 draft, the Dodgers acquire a budding talent. Although he has yet to hit his stride in professional baseball, Miller’s potential is evident despite a modest .220/.326/.318 career batting line over 250 minor league games, predominantly at the Single-A level.
Baseball America previously ranked him as the 24th prospect in Minnesota’s system. Conversely, Rayne Doncon, aged 20, posted a .651 OPS in Single-A during the 2023 season.
Reflecting on the teams’ recent performances, the Twins’ successful campaign in 2023 saw them clinch the AL Central title with an 87-75 record, albeit with an early postseason exit, breaking their 18-game consecutive postseason streak.
Conversely, the Dodgers secured 100 victories and the NL West crown but were unable to progress beyond the Division Series, succumbing to a sweep.
