Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are becoming good rivals again.
The Minnesota Twins surprised a lot of people by finishing last in the AL Central in 2021. Many people figured the Twins would be the White Sox biggest competition in the division one year removed from taking the AL Central Crown but instead, they were out of the picture by June. At the trade deadline, they shipped out Nelson Cruz who had been one of the core pieces of their lineup.
It is easy to see them selling off more parts once the lockout ends. One position they have lots of depth at is catcher. The White Sox need a solid backup option behind Yasmani Grandal. Both Zack Collins and Seby Zavala floundered at the plate.
Ryan Jeffers and Ben Rortvedt handled the bulk of the catching duties for the Twins last season. Garver was sidelined for the majority of the season with a horrific-looking injury. Both Jeffers and Rortvedt are 24 years old while Garver is 31.
Jeffers is considered a very good defender and is one of the Twins’ top prospects. They represent the future of the franchise and will probably be given another chance to show what they can do in 2022.
When Garver was healthy, he raked. Last season he hit 13 home runs and slashed .256/.358/.517 in just 243 plate appearances. In 2019, he was one of the best offensive catchers in baseball mashing 31 home runs en route to a Silver Slugger Award.
He is controllable for two season’s which fits the White Sox contending timeline. Garver has had injury problems in the past so being relegated to a backup role may be a good way to keep him healthy. It would also give the White Sox the best offensive catching tandem in the MLB. On Garver’s off days he could easily be the DH as well.
The White Sox would likely have to part ways with a talented arm in their organization to acquire him but there is tremendous upside to adding a hitter like Garver.