MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins avoided arbitration with infielder Ehire Adrianza on Thursday, signing him to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. He was one of 10 Twins players eligible for arbitration this offseason.
With the decision to sign Adrianza, the Twins only have one non-tender candidate ahead of Friday's deadline, as outfielder Robbie Grossman is the lone player on the roster bubble. Starters Kyle Gibson and Jake Odorizzi, relievers Trevor May and Taylor Rogers, outfielders Byron Buxton, Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler and third baseman Miguel Sano are all locks to be tendered contracts by Friday.
Adrianza gives Minnesota infield depth and versatility, as he can play all four infield spots and has some experience in left field. The 29-year-old hit .251/.301/.379 with six homers, 23 doubles and 39 RBIs in a career-high 114 games last year.
The Twins are still looking to bolster their middle infield after the departures of James Dozier and Eduardo Escobar, as Adrianza will serve in a utility role and isn't expected to be a regular alongside starting shortstop Jorge Polanco. Polanco, though, could be moved to second base if the Twins acquire a shortstop this offseason.
Adrianza was eligible for arbitration for a third time and gets a raise from the $1 million he made in 2018. The Guarenas, Venezuela, native is a career .242/.303/.355 hitter in 338 games over parts of six seasons with the Giants and Twins.