The Twins have signed veteran infielder Daniel Descalso to a minor league contract, their Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul announced.
This is the first we’ve heard about Descalso since the Cubs declined their $3.5MM option for 2021 in favor of a $1MM buyout after last season. It was an easy decision for the Cubs, who signed Descalso to a two-year, $5MM guarantee entering 2019. That deal couldn’t have worked out much worse for Chicago, as Descalso struggled to a .173/.271/.250 line with two home runs in 194 plate appearances in 2019 and then missed all of last season as a result of a left ankle injury.
The 34-year-old Descalso has typically been a below-average hitter during his career, as evidenced by the .235/.320/.362 line he has posted in a combined 2,893 plate appearances with the Cubs, Cardinals, Rockies and Diamondbacks. But he has played all over the infield throughout his career, and he did slash a career-best .238/.353/.436 with 13 home runs in 423 PA with the D-backs in 2018, so perhaps he’ll prove to be a useful addition for the Twins.
As a Cardinals fan, I can’t believe I forgot about this guy
As a Cubs fan, I’d very much like to.
This brings back memories of Tyler Greene. Not so much memories…more like nightmares.
Shoeless Dan!
This is a slap in the face to every minor league infielder in MiLB.
Not really. Perahaps it’s a slap to those who are close MLB ready but the overwhelming number of minor leaguers are not prospects and they’re not expected to ever sniff the majors. The only thing this signing takes away is a low paid minor league job from a guy who’d never make it up the big show anyway.
Yes, perhaps he’ll prove to be a useful addition to the Twins…as a paperweight.
If DeCalso can demonstrate ANY ability to hit (.250 range) and field at AAA, this signals to me Simmons will be traded before the end of July. Only 1st on the list as Falvey knows this season is lost at this point. Others, all on expiring contracts—Cruz, Pineda, Happ—will also be traded in what has become a train wreck of a season.
Daniel Descalso is starting for the Twins at some point in 2021, then the Twins just need to forfeit the rest of the season.
You don’t make a trade because you just signed a washed up vet to a minor league deal. Doesn’t work that way.
Spent some time with DET this spring.
Waiting on an announcement regarding Trevor Blankenhorn.
Are you seriously still obsessing over that guy? How’s your Patreon going? Still rewriting Arizona Phil’s updates and putting them behind a paywall?
Oooo spill the tea.
Please stop turning every minor transaction you’re tasked to right about into an opinion opus. It’s tired, and sad. Just state the facts like the other writers on this site and stop pontificating. Nobody gives a cold Sh*& for your adjectives or opinions. We turn in for information, not 3rd rate commentary.
The man has no business playing professional baseball. Another aged veteran that cannot hit a baseball thrown at the velocity most major leaguers throw at in 2021. If he’s brought up it will be a waste. Considering the team might not matter.
Bold. I disagree
gl Descalso with the twins hope you find a spot on the mlb roster. i won’t forget what you did in 11 for us, Descalso might not be what he was but the guy is a hard worker and gamer. he is the kind of player that you need on any ball club
what facts do you have to back this up it’s not like the guy is bed ridden, or taking/blocking a spot for a kid. let’s say he does make it to the mlb for the twins, it only means everyone ahead of des also wasn’t ready/good enough to play in the mlb.
And I thought the Twins season was over.
This changes everything!
Now we will be good!
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?