Twins to acquire outfielder Manny Margot in 3-player trade with Dodgers, AP source says

By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins agreed to acquire outfielder Manuel Margot in a three-player trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the trade.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had yet to be finalized. The person confirmed the Twins will receive minor league shortstop Rayne Doncon and cash and send minor league shortstop Noah Miller to the Dodgers in the deal for Margot, an experienced right-handed hitter who will provide extra depth.

The 29-year-old Margot just joined the Dodgers two months ago with starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow in a trade with Tampa Bay. Margot hit .264 with a .686 OPS in 99 games for the Rays last season while playing center field and right field. He has also played left field.

Margot made his major league debut with San Diego in 2016 and was the primary center fielder for the Padres from 2017-19, before being traded to the Rays. In 788 major league games, Margot has batted .255 with a .694 OPS, 52 home runs and 91 stolen bases.

Margot has a $10 million salary this season as part of $19 million, two-year contract he signed with the Rays, a deal that includes a $12 million mutual option for 2025 with a $2 million buyout. If the buyout is not exercised, the Rays must pay the Dodgers an additional $2 million as part of the Glasnow trade.

Margot will essentially replace Michael A. Taylor, who became a free agent after hitting a career-high 21 homers and playing 126 games in center field last season while star Byron Buxton was limited to designated hitter duty due to knee trouble. Buxton is healthy again and on track to be the regular center fielder, with Matt Wallner in left field and Max Kepler in right field, but multi-position player Willi Castro was the only other sure bet for the opening day roster with reliable outfield experience.

The 20-year-old Doncon played last season for Class A Rancho Cucamonga. He was signed out of the Dominican Republic.

Miller was the 36th overall pick by the Twins in the 2021 draft. The 21-year-old finished last season with Class A Cedar Rapids.

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