FORT MYERS, Fla. _ The Twins on Friday reached a deal with free-agent utility player Marwin Gonzalez, a transaction that strengthens the lineup, but raises some questions.
The two-year, $21 million contract will be official when Gonzalez passes a physical, according to two major league sources.
The move adds one of the game's most versatile players to the roster. Gonzalez, 29, started 136 games for the Astros last season, with at least 24 starts at four different positions. In his major league career, he has played 291 games at shortstop, 191 at first base, 110 at second, 93 at third and 159 in the outfield.
He hit .247 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs last season after career high numbers of .303, 23 home runs and 90 RBIs when Houston won a World Series in 2017. His game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the 2017 World Series off Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen is considered one of the biggest moments in Astros history.
So where will Gonzalez play?
He can allow the Twins to spell third baseman Miguel Sano, who is coming off an injury-plagued season and currently is recovering from a laceration across the back of his foot. Sano also could be freed up to spell Nelson Cruz at designated hitter or C.J. Cron at first base. Gonzalez can spell any of the outfielders _ although he has spent the majority of his outfield time in left.
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez broke into the majors in 2012 as part of a 103-loss Astros team in their last season in the National League. He spent seven seasons with the Astros, where he was one of the team's most popular players.
Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. tweeted, "Good luck and CONGRATS to one of the most underrated players in the history of baseball. Your impact on our club house and team will be lasting. One of the most clutch hitters and best defenders around."
