Twins Sign IF Ryan Wheeler to Minor League Deal

[Seth Stohs]

The Rochester Red Wings roster earlier this afternoon showed an infielder named Ryan Wheeler. Moments ago, the team made it official.

 

The Minnesota Twins signed infielder Ryan Wheeler to a minor league contract and assigned him to Rochester. There, he will be a teammate of his younger brother, tonight's Red Wings starting pitcher, Jason Wheeler.

 

Ryan Wheeler was the 5th round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009. He debuted with the D-Backs in 2012 and played 50 games. Between 2013 and 2014, he played in 59 games with the Colorado Rockies.

 

After they let him go late last year, he signed with the Angels. That's where he spent 14 games this spring (AAA Salt Lake) where he hit .291. 

[Homer Hanky]

This is a GREAT move... gives flexibility to move prospects around. 

 

 

[Hrbowski]

I like this move, because now it gives us a better left handed bench bat option in the minors.

[sdtwins37]

This guy hit well in the Minors, just wonder if he is another Chris Parmelee type.

[Rosterman]

Some depth at third base since Sano is not ready.

[USAFChief]

Left field insurance?

[jokin]

 

Left field insurance?

 

DH insurance

1B insurance

3B insurance

 

Both @ AAA and AA level when the inevitable promotions/demotions come.

[Danchat]

I like this signing. Wheeler is only 26 and he's hit .309/.352/.468 in AAA. He's not great defensively, but I could definitely see him making a positive impact. He'd be a lot nicer to have than Doug Bernier on the major league team, minus the versatility. 

 

And he gets to play with his younger brother, too!

[Thrylos]

Ryan Wheeler is a 26 year old journeyman with 250+ MLB PAs with a .233/.280/.335 slash line and a -28.9 UZR/150 at 3B.   His glove plays like Vargas' in any position.

 

All in all, better than Nate Hanson, Brock Peterson and Jose Martinez (likely will replace one of them) but nothing to write home about.

 

And definitely not a prospect.