Trade: Twins Acquire Some Shortstop Insurance


The Minnesota Twins have brought in a some shortstop insurance—a Plan B if they're unable to re-sign free agent Carlos Correa.

The Twins have traded for Kyle Farmer from the Cincinnati Reds, in exchange for a minor league pitcher. The 32-year-old Farmer has been mostly a shortstop for the Reds, but can also play second and third. He's averaged 15 home runs in each of the last two seasons as a full-time starter, batting .259 with a .715 OPS. 

Farmer certainly provides the middle infield depth the Twins need, with Correa's return an uncertainty, and Royce Lewis likely out until July after suffering that heartbreaking torn ACL crashing into the outfield fence in his first game on a rare center field assignment.

Farmer brings a capable if not spectacular glove, and his versatility to move around the infield will be valuable. He's projected to get a raise at arbitration to $4.65M.

In return the Twins send Double-A pitcher Casey Legumina to Cincinnati. He registered a 4.93 ERA and 9.1 K/9 at Wichita. The 25-year-old was MLB Pipeline's No. 26 prospect in Minnesota's organization.

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK