So, that was a fun, crazy morning, eh? Even when the only potential impact to the Cubs is the fact that other NL Central teams might get a guy, it’s still enjoyable to follow when there’s mystery and intrigue.
The subject of the mystery and intrigue, of course, was Korean slugger Byung-Ho Park, whom we knew had been posted, and we knew his team had accepted a winning posting bid of $12.85 million, but we didn’t know the winning team until now:
OFFICIAL: @Twins win negotiating rights with Byung-ho Park. pic.twitter.com/RoqVGRVQXu
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 9, 2015
It’ll be interesting to see how the Twins handle Park, given the presence of Joe Mauer, Trevor Plouffe, and Miguel Sano, but the latter has been learning some outfield this offseason, which could clear up, by way of shuffling, starts at first and DH for Park, if he proves himself worthy.
Interestingly, Twins GM Terry Ryan just this weekend implied that the team could be a big spender this offseason, and the expected $30ish million total commitment to Park could be a part of that.
Park could have conceivably gone to the Pirates or the Cardinals, so I guess this is … good? Unless Park costs a ton and is terrible. So, in other words, we know almost nothing. Cheers!
And for the sad news, from the man who originally broke the Twins’ victory:
Fyi – in preparing for possible #MLB relocation, Park Byung-ho has given up bat flips. He doesnt flip anymore. #Twins
— Daniel Kim 대니얼 ê¹€ (@DanielKimW) November 9, 2015
Congrats on being a no fun zone, MLB.