Twins Claim Infielder/Outfielder Derek Kreidler off Waivers from Pirates
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Twins have claimed Derek Kreidler, a 27-year-old infielder and outfielder, off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced today. Kreidler will report to the Twins’ minor league system.
The move brings in a player who has struggled significantly at the Major League level, posting a career .138 batting average. However, the Twins are adding a versatile defender with a track record of offensive success in the minor leagues, hoping a change of scenery might unlock that potential.
Kreidler was originally a fourth-round pick by the Detroit tigers out of UCLA in 2018.He debuted in MLB with Detroit in September 2022 and has appeared in 89 Major league games over four seasons, totaling 211 plate appearances. During that time, he hit .138 (26-for-188) with a double and two home runs, compiling a .383 OPS and an OPS+ of 11. He struck out in 67 of those plate appearances (31.7 percent) and drew 16 walks.
Statistical analysis reveals Kreidler’s offensive struggles are historically rare for a position player. As 2000, only 141 players with at least 200 plate appearances have recorded a sub-.400 OPS; 140 of those players were pitchers. The last position player to finish a career with those benchmarks was Brian Doyle, who played from 1978 to 1981.
Despite his MLB difficulties, Kreidler offers defensive flexibility, having played shortstop, third base, second base, and centre field for the Tigers. He is also an above-average runner, possessing solid sprint speed, though he has been caught stealing four times in seven attempts.
Kreidler’s minor league numbers demonstrate a different profile. He has a career .743 OPS with 54 home runs in 467 games. In 2021, he hit 22 home runs and stole 15 bases. His triple-A OPS is .771.
The Tigers waived Kreidler in August, and he was afterward claimed by the Pirates, finishing the season with their Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis. The Twins’ acquisition of Kreidler is a low-risk move, potentially adding a versatile bench option if he can improve his hitting during spring training.
