Thome agrees to one-year deal with Twins

Published January 08, 2015

Jim Thome has agreed to a one-year contract with the Twins, the club announced Tuesday.

Thome won't have an everyday role in Minnesota, but he could get at-bats in a few different ways. Unless the Twins upgrade at second or third base, manager Ron Gardenhire may want to use a late-inning pinch hitter for those two spots in the lineup. And Thome could be the DH when Jason Kubel has a day off or plays in the outfield against right-handed pitching.

Thome, who turns 40 in August, remains a power threat. He batted .249 with 23 home runs and 77 RBIs last year for the White Sox and Dodgers.

Two of Thome's former teams in the American League Central -- the White Sox and Indians -- passed on him this winter.

Earlier Tuesday, one major league executive said he envisioned Thome as being a good fit for the Twins, Rays or Blue Jays.

"I think he knows he is going to be a guy who gets 250 to 300 plate appearances," the executive said. "He still has value when used properly."

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