The Minnesota Twins were a pleasant surprise in 2015 despite missing the playoffs. They’re now looking to take the next step and, apparently, aren’t messing around in their quest to do so.
The Twins submitted the winning bid for Korean first baseman Byung-ho Park, the team announced Monday. Minnesota has 30 days to negotiate a contract with Park.
If the Twins can’t come to terms on a deal with Park in the next 30 days, Minnesota will be refunded its posting fee. Park would return to Korea’s Nexen Heroes for the 2016 season.
Park is considered one of the top hitters in the Korea Baseball Organization. The 29-year-old hit .343 with 53 home runs, 146 RBIs and a 1.150 OPS in 140 games last season. He hit .303 with 52 homers, 124 RBIs and a 1.119 OPS in 128 games in 2014.
Those numbers are inflated by the KBO’s hitter-friendly environment, but there’s no denying Park has major power. And Jung Ho Kang’s successful jump from the KBO to the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball suggests it’s not unreasonable to expect solid production amid Park’s transition.
The Twins currently have Joe Mauer at first base and Trevor Plouffe at third base. Plus, young slugger Miguel Sano is a third baseman by trade. So the decision to pursue Park is interesting, though it’s clear the Twins are trying to build on a 83-79 campaign that placed them second behind the eventual World Series champion Kansas City Royals in the American League Central.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BB_Essential
