9 trade targets for the Colorado Rockies from the Minnesota Twins

SEATTLE - JUNE 16: Taylor Rogers #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
SEATTLE - JUNE 16: Taylor Rogers #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Jorge Polanco
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 03: Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his three-run home run with teammates in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Minnesota Twins infielder Jorge Polanco would be good for the Colorado Rockies

Minnesota Twins infielder Jorge Polanco has quietly been one of the best infielders in baseball in recent years, particularly in the last two full seasons. Polanco, 28, had a very good season in 2019 (4.6 rWAR) when, in 153 games, he had 22 homers and 79 RBI with a slash line of .295/.356/.485 with an OPS+ of 121. He was an All-Star and came 13th in American League MVP voting.

He had a down season in 2020 but in 2021, he was, arguably, the best hitter for the Twins. In 152 games, he hit 33 homers and had 98 RBI with a slash line of .269/.323/.503 and an OPS+ of 125.

He has played shortstop for the Twins in recent years but in 2020, they moved Polanco over to second base. He also has had a handful of games third. Defensively, though, he is best at second base, as he had 5 Defensive Runs Saved at second in 2021 and -10 DRS at shortstop in 2019.

Contractually, Polanco, 28, is owed $5.5 million in 2022 before his pay steadily gets higher with each season ($7.5 million in 2023, a $10.5 million vesting option in 2024 that could go higher with incentives, and a team option for $12 million, that also has incentives, for 2024).

For a young infielder that is still on the good side of 30, he would be a good fit for the Rockies but with that team friendly contract, the amount of control, and his age, it will take a lot to get him.

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