Twins add pop, defense with offseason moves

MINNEAPOLIS -- After taking a look at players on the rebound in the first part of the Spring Training preview for the Twins, it's time to shift gears and focus on the offseason additions.
The Twins were active early, signing Korean slugger Byung Ho Park and trading Aaron Hicks to the Yankees for catcher John Ryan Murphy, but have made only a series of minor moves since then.
• Spring Training preview Part I: Five Twins seeking rebound year
Here's a look at the Twins' new faces:
1B/DH Park: Park was the club's biggest splash, as the Twins won the bidding for him for $12.85 million and then signed him to a four-year deal worth $12 million. Park combined to hit 105 homers for Nexen in the Korea Baseball Organization the past two years, so the Twins are hoping his power translates to the Majors. He's expected to be the regular designated hitter, which means Miguel Sano will be headed to right field with Trevor Plouffe at third base and Joe Mauer at first base.
• Spring Training Information
C Murphy: The Twins believe Murphy is their catcher of the future, and he was acquired in a surprising trade that sent Hicks to the Yankees after Hicks' breakout season. Murphy is known for his defensive skills and strong arm, but has shown flashes of offensive potential. He's expected to split time with Kurt Suzuki as the Twins are hopeful more playing time will help his offensive production.
LHP Mike Strong: An Afton, Minn., native, Strong was picked up on waivers from the Marlins on Jan. 22. The reliever spent the previous five seasons in Milwaukee's Minor League system. He had a 3.68 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 66 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last year. He's yet to reach the Majors, but gives the Twins another left-handed option.
C John Hicks: The Twins added to their catching depth by claiming Hicks off waivers from the Mariners on Dec. 2. Hicks made his Major League debut last year, but struggled offensively, going 2-for-32 with a double and walk. He's regarded as a defense-first catcher who is expected to open the year at Triple-A Rochester.
LHP Fernando Abad: Abad was signed to a Minor League deal after he posted a 4.15 ERA in 62 appearances with the A's last year. He was much better in 2014, posting a 1.57 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. Over the last two years, he's posted a 2.74 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 105 innings. He'll certainly get a look this spring, as the Twins didn't sign any lefty relievers to Major League deals this offseason.
OF Carlos Quentin: Quentin was a surprise Minor League signing last week, as he came out of retirement after sitting out the 2015 season. The two-time All-Star will get the chance to make the club as an extra outfielder. He's considered somewhat of a longshot, especially with youngsters Danny Santana and Oswaldo Arcia out of options, but he at least gives the Twins a veteran outfielder in camp who can serve as a mentor.