AL Central: Twins part ways with Trevor Plouffe

In a move that I’m sure shocked no one and elated thousands, the Twins have waived Trevor Plouffe. He’s expected to elect free agency, thus concluding his long tenure in Minnesota.

Plouffe has been a lasting symbol of the Twins management’s incompetence. So if this move is this early Christmas present you’ve been hoping for, send a thank you note to Head of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey and brand spanking new General Manager Thad Levine. While it’s sad to not have Plouffe blossom from a first round draft pick in 2004 to a superstar Twin, this is a good signal that change is ahead for the franchise. Plouffe was expected to receive $8.2 million in arbitration.

Plouffe is going out with...a bang?

Here’s what else is going on in the American League Central.

Cleveland backup catcher Chris Gimenez elects free agency.

Kenley Jansen is one of the hottest, if not the most coveted, free agent this offseason. We’re heard rumors about the Giants, the Marlins, and even the Yankees potentially acquiring the closer. Hot take alert: The Tigers are the perfect landing spot for Jansen.

Dare we ponder, would the Twins be open to trading Brian Dozier?

We know a lot about White Sox’s slugger Jose Abreu. We know he won Rookie of the Year in 2013 and have a penchant for breaking records. But there’s a lot more for us to know about the Cuban born slugger.

The Royals have signed catcher Drew Butera to a two year contract.