The Twins’ moves to avoid salary arbitration began on Monday, when they agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Kyle Garlick worth $750,000, according to a source. The team has not confirmed the deal.
It’s likely that more of these deals will materialize before the Friday deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players, as this Twins front office has preferred to solidify contracts to avoid arbitration with as many players as possible ahead of each offseason’s non-tender deadline.
Garlick’s deal is only slightly above the Major League minimum salary of $720,000 and gives the Twins affordable right-handed depth in a lefty-skewed corner outfield group. Garlick has been in the organization as a platoon option against left-handed pitching for two seasons, appearing in 102 games and posting a .728 OPS. He posted an .878 OPS against lefties in 2021 and an .805 mark in ’22.
The 30-year-old was limited to 66 games last season due to a hamstring strain, rib-cage contusion and wrist sprain.