This upcoming season the Minnesota Twins have plenty to
decide when it comes to their middle infield. They need a shortstop, and while
that could be Jorge Polanco, I’d advise them looking elsewhere. Where, though, does
that leave rookie Nick Gordon?
Playing in 73 games and getting exactly 200 plate appearances,
Gordon found himself getting a good amount of run for Rocco Baldelli’s squad.
There should have been more opportunity had Andrelton Simmons not clogged
things for the entirety of the season, but nonetheless Gordon was given a glimpse.
For the past few seasons, I have wondered whether Gordon’s
time would come with Minnesota at all. He has a track record of performing well
when repeating a level for the second time, and despite missing 2020 with the
minor league shutdown, he showed up ready to go in 2021. Miscast as a
shortstop, and lacking the power for a second basemen, Gordon needed to
reinvent himself. He proved capable of that this season, but where does that
leave him going forward?
As a fielder, Gordon saw action at six different positions
this past season. The bulk of his playing time came in centerfield (34 G), and
his true home of second base was doubled up (17 G). He also made 14 appearances
at shortstop, where he’d contest is home, and 12 in the corner outfield with
two cameos at third base.
From an all encompassing perspective, it was a jack of all
trades, master of none approach. To be fair, that’s ultimately what a utility
player is. Gordon adapting to the outfield on the fly should be seen as an
incredible boost for the Twins, and something definitely working in his favor. Recording
just over 220 innings in centerfield, Gordon posted a -1 DRS there with a -0.8
UZR. It’s too small of a sample size to take much from, but he did also record
1 DRS in 110 innings at second base.
Ultimately, I think that Nick Gordon proved he can be useful
anywhere on the diamond. The question still remains if Minnesota should want
him in that capacity. On the offensive side of things, the former first round
pick slashed .240/.292/.355 for a .647 OPS and a 79 OPS+. Minnesota’s last two
utility players posted a 94 OPS+ (Marwin Gonzalez) and a 103 OPS+ (Ehire
Adrianza) during the final full year that was 2019. Both were terrible in 2020,
but I’d imagine that’s not the bar the Twins are looking to clear.
Gordon’s additional strength is that he can run. The Twins
haven’t had much of a stolen base threat outside of Byron Buxton in recent seasons.
They definitely have not had a capable pinch runner on their bench. Swiping ten
bags and being caught just once, Gordon displayed an ability to generate runs
on the basepaths this season. If that’s a skill or advantage Minnesota is
looking for, he’s the cheapest option.
I’m not sure if Gordon makes the 26-man to start 2022 or
not, but he’s certainly made his case better than it was at any other point
coming into his career. There’s not a ton to hope on future development here,
but if Minnesota wants to make use of their former first round pick, then it’s
seeming like they’ve got a path to get it done.