There’s an outside chance that Byung Ho Park won’t be with the Twins when they report to spring training in 10 days. The power hitter was designated for assignment Friday in a move that created a spot on the 40-man roster for right-handed relief pitcher, Matt Belisle, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Twins.
Minnesota has 10 days to make a decision on Park. They can put him back on the 40-man roster, send him to the minors or release him.
Aaron Gleeman of Baseball Prospectus thinks Park will stick with the Twins since his contract is probably too rich for another team. Park has three years remaining on his four-year, $12 million contract.
FanGraphs, just days ago, posted an argument to keep Park until it’s clear that his power potential won’t work in the big leagues. If Park can reduce his strikeout rate like Kris Bryant and Paul Goldschmidt have in recent years, there’s a chance he’ll be a very productive power hitter at the MLB level, FanGraphs says.
Belisle looks like a really good bullpen addition. The 36-year-old posted a 1.76 ERA in 40 appearances with the Washington Nationals last season.
