ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Twins have acquired Michael A. Taylor from Kansas City, the team announced Monday, swapping a pair of minor league pitchers for the veteran outfielder.

The Twins sent left-handed reliever Evan Sisk, who posted a 1.57 earned-run average between Double and Triple-A last season, and righty Steven Cruz (5.14 ERA at Double-A) to the Royals in return. Neither pitcher was in the Twins’ top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline.

The Twins have a robust group of outfielders already, but the trade gives the Twins an elite defender in center who hits right-handed; many of their options are left-handed corner outfielders.

Taylor’s 20 defensive runs saved, per Fielding Bible, was fourth in the majors last season, and the 31-year-old veteran won a Gold Glove in center field in 2021. He posted a 3.2 bWAR (Wins Above Replacement per Baseball Reference) last season, hitting .254 with a .670 OPS.

Taylor, who is a free agent after this season, is due $4.5 million in 2023. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated right-handed pitcher A.J. Alexy for release or assignment. Alexy was acquired by the Twins from the Washington Nationals on Jan. 10.

ADVERTISEMENT