Source: Garlick, Twins avoid arbitration

The Twins' moves to avoid salary arbitration began on Monday, when they agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Kyle Garlick worth $750,000, according to a source. The team has not confirmed the deal.

It's likely that more of these deals will materialize before the Friday deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players, as this Twins front office has preferred to solidify contracts to avoid arbitration with as many players as possible ahead of each offseason's non-tender deadline.

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The other arbitration-eligible players on the roster are Gio Urshela, Tyler Mahle, Luis Arraez, Emilio Pagán, Chris Paddack, Caleb Thielbar, Jorge López and Jorge Alcala.

Garlick's deal is only slightly above the Major League minimum salary of $720,000 and gives the Twins affordable right-handed depth in a lefty-skewed corner outfield group. Garlick has been in the organization as a platoon option against left-handed pitching for two seasons, appearing in 102 games and posting a .728 OPS. He posted an .878 OPS against lefties in 2021 and an .805 mark in '22.

The 30-year-old was limited to 66 games last season due to a hamstring strain, rib-cage contusion and wrist sprain.

Considering the Twins' payroll flexibility, they can continue to search for impactful right-handed outfield options alongside Byron Buxton, considering the left-handed-heavy lineup -- particularly in the outfield, with Max Kepler, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner and Nick Gordon currently making up the group.