Dodgers Deal Manuel Margot to Twins, Reacquire Enrique Hernández in Exchange

Manuel Margot, outfielder, is once again on the move. The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded Margot, along with infield prospect Rayne Doncon and cash, to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for infield prospect Noah Miller, the teams announced Monday. Margot had joined the Dodgers earlier in the offseason as part of the Tyler Glasnow trade, following four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Margot, aged 29, is entering the final year of his contract. He is set to earn a $10 million salary in 2024 with a $2 million buyout for his $12 million club option in 2025. The Rays will contribute $4 million to the deal with the Dodgers — $2 million in 2024 and the remaining $2 million buyout if Margot’s option is not exercised — making Margot an $8 million player for the Twins.

Margot, known for his career .281/.341/.420 batting line against left-handed pitchers, will offer valuable center field depth to the Twins behind Byron Buxton. While Buxton intends to reclaim his position in center field this season, his injury history underscores the importance of having a reliable backup. Margot’s versatility allows him to cover center field and provides a solid platoon option.

Meanwhile, for the Dodgers, this trade paves the way for the return of super utility player Enrique Hernández. Hernández himself announced his comeback via social media. He will earn $4 million on a one-year deal.

Hernández boasts greater versatility than Margot and has demonstrated proficiency against left-handed pitching throughout his career. Alongside Chris Taylor, he will serve as a right-handed platoon partner for lefty hitters James Outman and Jason Heyward.

As part of the deal, the Dodgers acquire Noah Miller, a 21-year-old infield prospect selected 36th overall in the 2021 draft. Miller, though yet to showcase his full potential in professional baseball, holds a career .220/.326/.318 slash line in 250 minor league games, having not advanced beyond Single-A. Baseball America ranked Miller as the Twins’ 24th best prospect prior to the trade. On the other hand, Rayne Doncon, aged 20, posted a .651 OPS in Single-A in 2023.

The Twins, who won the AL Central with an 87-75 record in 2023 but had their 18-game postseason streak snapped, look to bolster their roster with this acquisition. Likewise, the Dodgers, despite securing the NL West title with 100 wins, aim to strengthen their squad after a disappointing playoff exit in the Division Series.