Can Nick Gordon Handle Third Base?

[Ted Wiedmann]

Nick Gordon has played all over the infield and outfield, but somehow only has a total of six innings at third base in his MLB career. If he's pressed into duty there, can the Twins trust him?

Image courtesy of Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins have clearly emphasized building depth both on the Major League bench and in the minor leagues. However, there is potentially one position at which the Twins could be thin heading into the 2023 season. After trading Gio Urshela and Luis Arraez, Jose Miranda and Kyle Farmer are the only two players on the 40-man roster with significant Big League third-base experience. (Joey Gallo doesn't count.)

Miranda figures to play every day at third, but who will man the position on off days or if an IL stint is in his future? Kyle Farmer has the defensive capability to play the hot corner, but offensively the Twins would like him to see as few at-bats against right-handed pitching as possible. 

Fortunately, there might be one more option for the Twins. Nick Gordon is no stranger to being thrust into unfamiliar positions so far in his career. Coming up as a middle infielder, he was thrown in the outfield as a necessity in 2021 and 2022. The results have been mixed, but overall I think he's been passable. Could he be a left-handed hitting platoon option at third base for Minnesota, as Adam Friedman suggested? 

Using defensive metrics to evaluate Gordon's infield defense is tough because he hasn't played much infield in his big league career, but let's try anyways. He has played only 151 innings at shortstop and 368 innings at second base, compared to over 950 innings in the outfield. DRS (defensive runs saved) has been quite unfavorable for Gordon. For his career, he has netted -2 DRS at second base. At shortstop, he has totaled -3 DRS. OAA (outs above average) sees Gordon as an average defensive infielder registering 0 OAA at second base and shortstop. Given the small sample, these numbers will need to be taken with a grain of salt. 

As a prospect rising through the ranks, scouts were always doubtful about Gordon's ability to stick at shortstop due to his lack of arm strength; that might be seen as a potential problem at third base. Using Statcast's arm strength metrics, we can see how Gordon's arm compares to the rest of the league in the infield, particularly at third base. To measure arm strength, the velocity of the top 5% of throws is taken from a player to find their "average" arm strength. We will only be using Gordon's throws from second base, as throws from the outfield are entirely different than ones in the infield. At second base, Nick Gordon's arm strength is measured at 83.5 mph. 

At second base, 83.5 mph ranks 8th in all of baseball among players that made 100 throws at second base. At shortstop, 83.5 would have ranked 31st out of 60 players that made at least 100 throws. But to answer the question, would his arm play at third base? At third base, 83.5 mph would have been the 28th highest average velocity among 59 third baseman. He is right in the middle of the pack, but it should be noted that most players above Gordon are everyday third baseman, and most below him are utility men, like Gordon is. 

Statcast's arm strength measurements aren't perfect. Many variables go into the type of throws that are made at different positions along the infield that are hard to quantify in one statistic. However, it does give us an idea that if Nick Gordon needs to fill in at third base to give Jose Miranda a day off or even play in a platoon role for a short-term injury, this is a solution the Twins could pursue.

Given his athleticism and metrics at second base and shortstop, range should be good enough for Gordon at third. While the arm might not be ideal, it certainly looks passable enough for Nick Gordon to expand his versatility and help the Twins at third base this season and in the future. 

 

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[Joey Self]

Ok, I'll bite: Why doesn't Joey Gallo count? 

[High heat]

No Nick Gordon at 3B!!!  If Miranda goes down bring up Julian to play everyday.  Otherwise Farmer can take all the reps at 3B if Miranda needs a day off.

[Parfigliano]

9 minutes ago, Joey Self said:

Ok, I'll bite: Why doesn't Joey Gallo count? 

Beat me to it.  Hasnt Gallo played around 100 MLB games at 3B?  He has well above average arm.  Barring injury will be coming north.

[chpettit19]

Yeah, also confused why Gallo doesn't count. I think they prefer Farmer start every day against lefties, but the idea that they aren't going to start him plenty of times against righties confuses me, too. I think Miranda and Farmer get every inning at 3B until one is injured or falls apart. Then it's Julien most likely. Then Lewis and Lee as the next options depending how late in the season a need arises. If Gordon is playing significant time at 3B I think it's very likely things have gone terribly, terribly wrong.

[JD-TWINS]

Julian or Lee will get dropped in at 3B before Gordon.

Lots of durability between Miranda & Farmer.

Gordon is officially an Outfielder unless there’s an in-game emergency.

[Ted Wiedmann]

30 minutes ago, Joey Self said:

Ok, I'll bite: Why doesn't Joey Gallo count? 

He lasted about half a season there in Texas and it wasn’t pretty 

[Nashvilletwin]

I’m waiting for the article with the headline:

Why Isn’t Nick Gordon Our Everyday Starting Left Fielder?  

[Ted Wiedmann]

16 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Yeah, also confused why Gallo doesn't count. I think they prefer Farmer start every day against lefties, but the idea that they aren't going to start him plenty of times against righties confuses me, too. I think Miranda and Farmer get every inning at 3B until one is injured or falls apart. Then it's Julien most likely. Then Lewis and Lee as the next options depending how late in the season a need arises. If Gordon is playing significant time at 3B I think it's very likely things have gone terribly, terribly wrong.

If Joey Gallo could remotely handle third base he’d still be there. As for Farmer he has a career 72 wRC+ in R/R matchups, the twins would be smart to avoid those at all costs. If Miranda has to miss significant time they probably call someone up but if it’s only a short timespan to fill it wouldn’t make sense to burn an option on a prospect. That’s where Gordon makes the most sense imo. In a small sample his offensive production will greatly outweigh any defensive liability at a non premium position. 

[Ted Wiedmann]

25 minutes ago, High heat said:

No Nick Gordon at 3B!!!  If Miranda goes down bring up Julian to play everyday.  Otherwise Farmer can take all the reps at 3B if Miranda needs a day off.

The whole idea is you give Miranda days off in R/R matchups since he mashes lefties. Farmer has brutal splits versus righties so that’s why Gordon makes sense at third once every ten days or so. 

[Dave The Dastardly]

Jeez! Gordon has either played or been suggested to play at every spot on the diamond. Can we use him at manager, too? How 'bout Front Office?

[Nashvilletwin]

12 minutes ago, Dave The Dastardly said:

Jeez! Gordon has either played or been suggested to play at every spot on the diamond. Can we use him at manager, too? How 'bout Front Office?

👍🏻

[Cris E]

If you're just talking about an occasional appearance then facing a right handed pitcher will not kill Farmer any more than it would Miranda. I mean giving away a game's worth of defense by putting Gordon out there isn't much different than giving away four ABs by going with Farmer. If someone gets hurt mid-game then you deal with that, but you don't pretend Gordon needs to learn 3B any more that you insists that Farmer catch some games. You have two good options and Lee is on their heels. Gordon is not a serious option for any infield play. 

[MMMordabito]

16 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

If Miranda has to miss significant time they probably call someone up but if it’s only a short timespan to fill it wouldn’t make sense to burn an option on a prospect. 

They will already have burned an option on Julien, if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.  If he does make the Opening Day roster, then I'd think he would be next in line.  

[chpettit19]

12 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

If Joey Gallo could remotely handle third base he’d still be there. As for Farmer he has a career 72 wRC+ in R/R matchups, the twins would be smart to avoid those at all costs. If Miranda has to miss significant time they probably call someone up but if it’s only a short timespan to fill it wouldn’t make sense to burn an option on a prospect. That’s where Gordon makes the most sense imo. In a small sample his offensive production will greatly outweigh any defensive liability at a non premium position. 

Why do you say that about Gallo? He moved off third because Texas had some guy named Adrian Beltre playing there when he came up. Then he started playing OF and was a gold glover there so he stuck there. He's every bit the option Gordon is at 3B. I mean isn't the obvious counter to Gordon being an IF option "if Nick Gordon could remotely handle playing in field he'd still be there?" He's only played in emergencies since he's been called up.

I don't think Farmer is getting everyday reps against righties, but he's not going to sit on the bench for over 70% of the team's games simply because it's a righty on the mound. He's going to get starts against righties. Probably a pretty significant amount.

I'm also not sold on Gordon's offense being all that great. I don't expect him to maintain the sky high BABIP he had last year. And when that BABIP drops he's toast, and his offensive production won't outweigh any defensive liability due to his complete lack of patience at the plate. You seem to feel differently about expectations for his bat moving forward, and that's fine. But I'm not sold on Gordon being good enough with the stick to play any corner position for any real amount of time.

[Ted Wiedmann]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Why do you say that about Gallo? He moved off third because Texas had some guy named Adrian Beltre playing there when he came up. Then he started playing OF and was a gold glover there so he stuck there. He's every bit the option Gordon is at 3B. I mean isn't the obvious counter to Gordon being an IF option "if Nick Gordon could remotely handle playing in field he'd still be there?" He's only played in emergencies since he's been called up.

I don't think Farmer is getting everyday reps against righties, but he's not going to sit on the bench for over 70% of the team's games simply because it's a righty on the mound. He's going to get starts against righties. Probably a pretty significant amount.

I'm also not sold on Gordon's offense being all that great. I don't expect him to maintain the sky high BABIP he had last year. And when that BABIP drops he's toast, and his offensive production won't outweigh any defensive liability due to his complete lack of patience at the plate. You seem to feel differently about expectations for his bat moving forward, and that's fine. But I'm not sold on Gordon being good enough with the stick to play any corner position for any real amount of time.

Gallo in 724 3B innings: -7 drs, -3.5 uzr, -2 oaa, 18 errors.  
 

You’re right to be worried about Gordon’s plate discipline, but the babip could stick stick if his exit velocities from last year continue, and those tend to be more sustainable. Maybe the Twins don’t see him as an infielder long term his best position is 2B imo. I’m not a fan of Gordon in the outfield especially with Taylor on the roster now. 

[Ted Wiedmann]

12 minutes ago, MMMordabito said:

They will already have burned an option on Julien, if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.  If he does make the Opening Day roster, then I'd think he would be next in line.  

Julien doesn’t make the opening day roster unless someone gets hurt. 

[Dave The Dastardly]

4 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

Gallo in 724 3B innings: -7 drs, -3.5 uzr, -2 oaa, 18 errors.  
 

You’re right to be worried about Gordon’s plate discipline, but the babip could stick stick if his exit velocities from last year continue, and those tend to be more sustainable. Maybe the Twins don’t see him as an infielder long term his best position is 2B imo. I’m not a fan of Gordon in the outfield especially with Taylor on the roster now. 

What's those Gallo numbers mean in American?

[Ted Wiedmann]

1 minute ago, Dave The Dastardly said:

What's those Gallo numbers mean in American?

Not good, probably could’ve improved if he stuck there but since he’s such a good outfielder why move him back? 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Gordon's days in the Twins infield are gone.  Too many other options.  Maybe in an emergency situation, but on a regular or semi-regular basis?  No

I am not sold on Gordon.  Decent year last year?  Yes.  Still has a ton to prove.  I think he makes the roster out of ST, but he will probably be on a relatively short leash

[chpettit19]

17 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

Gallo in 724 3B innings: -7 drs, -3.5 uzr, -2 oaa, 18 errors.  
 

You’re right to be worried about Gordon’s plate discipline, but the babip could stick stick if his exit velocities from last year continue, and those tend to be more sustainable. Maybe the Twins don’t see him as an infielder long term his best position is 2B imo. I’m not a fan of Gordon in the outfield especially with Taylor on the roster now. 

I'm not saying he was a gold glover at 3B, but there's multiple guys in the bigs playing 3B right now with those sorts of stats (Austin Riley being the worst of them). He moved off 3B because of Adrian Beltre and he's a better OFer so he stuck. But I don't know why we'd think Gordon is much better than that.

Gordon was tied with Aaron Judge for the 30th in baseball for guys with at least 300 PA with a .340 BABIP last year. Correa had a .339. If you go to hitters with 400 PAs they move up to 21st in baseball. Into the top 20 in baseball at 450 PAs (Gordon had 443). There were only 15 qualified hitters in baseball last year who had a BABIP of .340 or higher. I find it very hard to believe Nick Gordon is going to BABIP .340 again. I hope I'm wrong, but it's very, very unlikely.

[Ted Wiedmann]

4 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Gordon's days in the Twins infield are gone.  Too many other options.  Maybe in an emergency situation, but on a regular or semi-regular basis?  No

I am not sold on Gordon.  Decent year last year?  Yes.  Still has a ton to prove.  I think he makes the roster out of ST, but he will probably be on a relatively short leash

He’s out of options so his leash is until the Twins are ready to lose him on waivers to another team, they have prospects ready but Gordon definitely has some appealing traits 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

54 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

If Joey Gallo could remotely handle third base he’d still be there. As for Farmer he has a career 72 wRC+ in R/R matchups, the twins would be smart to avoid those at all costs. If Miranda has to miss significant time they probably call someone up but if it’s only a short timespan to fill it wouldn’t make sense to burn an option on a prospect. That’s where Gordon makes the most sense imo. In a small sample his offensive production will greatly outweigh any defensive liability at a non premium position. 

Farmer is your backup 3B.  He will be the starter if Miranda misses time.

Behind Farmer, there is some question.  It would not shock me to see Gallo there, but I don't think it will happen.  OF and 1B for him.

Considering they really don't have anybody else on the 40-man to handle that position, I think you may see another low-level utility or 3B pickup between now and 1-2 week of season.

 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

2 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

He’s out of options so his leash is until the Twins are ready to lose him on waivers to another team, they have prospects ready but Gordon definitely has some appealing traits 

He was dead in the water until he showed some life last year.  Considering the amount of OF currently on the 40-man and assuming those individuals are healthy, if Gordon doesn't come out relatively strong to start the season, I can't see him lasting terribly long.

[Ted Wiedmann]

5 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I'm not saying he was a gold glover at 3B, but there's multiple guys in the bigs playing 3B right now with those sorts of stats (Austin Riley being the worst of them). He moved off 3B because of Adrian Beltre and he's a better OFer so he stuck. But I don't know why we'd think Gordon is much better than that.

Gordon was tied with Aaron Judge for the 30th in baseball for guys with at least 300 PA with a .340 BABIP last year. Correa had a .339. If you go to hitters with 400 PAs they move up to 21st in baseball. Into the top 20 in baseball at 450 PAs (Gordon had 443). There were only 15 qualified hitters in baseball last year who had a BABIP of .340 or higher. I find it very hard to believe Nick Gordon is going to BABIP .340 again. I hope I'm wrong, but it's very, very unlikely.

We don't actually disagree here, but I think you said it yourself, why play Gallo at 3B and Gordon in the OF if Gallo is such a good OF? If their defensive abilities are similar at 3B keep Gallo in the outfield. Gordon may very well be due for regression but he’ll still be better against righties than Farmer. 

[Ted Wiedmann]

7 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Farmer is your backup 3B.  He will be the starter if Miranda misses time.

Behind Farmer, there is some question.  It would not shock me to see Gallo there, but I don't think it will happen.  OF and 1B for him.

Considering they really don't have anybody else on the 40-man to handle that position, I think you may see another low-level utility or 3B pickup between now and 1-2 week of season.

 

Farmer’s career numbers R/R: .241/.297/.353

that cannot be an everyday third baseman if the Twins want to be a serious team 

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

We don't actually disagree here, but I think you said it yourself, why play Gallo at 3B and Gordon in the OF if Gallo is such a good OF? If their defensive abilities are similar at 3B keep Gallo in the outfield. Gordon may very well be due for regression but he’ll still be better against righties than Farmer. 

Oh, I definitely agree that if you have to start them both and those are the only 2 positions available you start Gordon at 3B to keep Gallo in the OF, but in general if we're to the place where we're in an emergency need at 3B (which is what it'd take for me to put Gordon at 3B) then I think Gallo is still an option. I wouldn't want to put either of them there, though.

He'd be a little better than Farmer with the bat against righties, but I'd take Farmer's glove and the slight dip at the plate over Gordon still. Gordon had an 88 OPS+ against righties in 2021. If he's back sub-90 OPS+ against righties he's not on my roster at all. Last year earned him a 4th/5th OF spot on the opening day roster for me, but I'm not one of the folks who think he should be given a ton of playing time early based on last year. He'd have to do a lot more proving in ST and April before he's getting a bunch of playing time if I were Rocco. But I'm not. Or at least you can't prove I am...

[Fire Dan Gladden]

4 minutes ago, Ted Wiedmann said:

Farmer’s career numbers R/R: .241/.297/.353

that cannot be an everyday third baseman if the Twins want to be a serious team 

He isn't a starter, he is a backup.  If Miranda goes down, Farmer will start.

IF Miranda can't handle 3B
IF Farmer gets pushed into that position
IF the Twins do not make a move for another 3B
IF Farmer puts up terrible numbers while playing 3B

Then we can talk...

[Ted Wiedmann]

23 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Oh, I definitely agree that if you have to start them both and those are the only 2 positions available you start Gordon at 3B to keep Gallo in the OF, but in general if we're to the place where we're in an emergency need at 3B (which is what it'd take for me to put Gordon at 3B) then I think Gallo is still an option. I wouldn't want to put either of them there, though.

He'd be a little better than Farmer with the bat against righties, but I'd take Farmer's glove and the slight dip at the plate over Gordon still. Gordon had an 88 OPS+ against righties in 2021. If he's back sub-90 OPS+ against righties he's not on my roster at all. Last year earned him a 4th/5th OF spot on the opening day roster for me, but I'm not one of the folks who think he should be given a ton of playing time early based on last year. He'd have to do a lot more proving in ST and April before he's getting a bunch of playing time if I were Rocco. But I'm not. Or at least you can't prove I am...

For his career Gordon has a 112 OPS+ vs. righties, even with regression he should still be a league average bat, my point is if we hit an injury situation there's no reason Farmer and Gordon can't platoon third base, at least until Gordon wants to stop hitting. 

I think Gordon's arm is fine and the range needed for third is quite a bit less than up the middle, so even if he's struggled in the infield he might be a better fit at 3B than SS or 2B

[Nashvilletwin]

32 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Gordon's days in the Twins infield are gone.  Too many other options.  Maybe in an emergency situation, but on a regular or semi-regular basis?  No

I am not sold on Gordon.  Decent year last year?  Yes.  Still has a ton to prove.  I think he makes the roster out of ST, but he will probably be on a relatively short leash

FDG, are you sold on Kepler, Gallo and Taylor? Do you think those three have the potential to add more value to the Twins over the next several years than Gordon?

So, if Gordon has a rough spring at the plate (which btw still might be a better spring than the other three), do you just DFA him?  Or trade him for junk?  What if the any or all of the trio of one year rental OFs have a bad spring at the plate? Do they get DFA’d or traded as well? Or are they “defensively” so strong it makes up for their anemia at the plate?

By his actual play last season - at the plate, in the field, on the bases, and in the dugout/clubhouse - Gordon should be considered our incumbent LFer until he’s dethroned by someone playing clearly better.