Plus an injury update on top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Royce Lewis clarifies a viral comment about slumps.

Moving Harrison Bader to left gives the Twins a more consistent glove in the outfield, and gets one of the best defenders in the MLB on the field. Since debuting eight years ago, Bader’s 76 Outs Above Average are more than every active outfielder, and his 50 DRS is more than only four. One of those four happens to be Buxton.

Alternatives to Bader There were other free agents with more offense-focused skill sets from the right side of the plate whom the Twins could have targeted. Austin Hays, Ramón Laureano, and Randal Grichuk signed for less than Bader and are true lefty mashers. But the Twins opted to go with the defensive profile, despite almost no offensive upside.

Harrison Bader has covered all three outfield positions in his career, but the vast majority of his playing time has come in center field. That shouldn’t come as any surprise.

Harrison Bader’s earnings with the Minnesota Twins could increase by $1.5 million to $7.75 million if the former Gold Glove center fielder plays regularly this season

He doesn’t exactly need to ask directions to find the place. But Harrison Bader hasn’t done more than jog through left field since before Rocco Baldelli became Twins manager. Baldelli wants Bader to reacquaint himself with it.

Count new Twins outfielder Harrison Bader among his many fans. “I’m pretty sure I’ve asked him for multiple autographs in the past just because I admire his game so much,” said Bader, who now has a locker next to Buxton’s at Hammond Stadium.