Blue Jays' Andrew Bechtold: Inks MiLB deal with Toronto
Rotowire
Bechtold signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Dec. 1.
Bechtold spent a bit of time as a two-way player with the Triple-A affiliate of the Twins in 2023, but he was lit up for 22 earned runs on 22 hits and 24 walks over 18 innings. The 27-year-old corner infielder had far more success at the plate, registering an .800 OPS across 73 games for the St. Paul Saints. It's unclear whether he'll continue with the pitching pursuit in Toronto's system.
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Twins' Andrew Bechtold: Becomes two-way player
Rotowire
Bechtold has been converted to a two-way player at Triple-A St. Paul and he will be used as a pitcher several days a week, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "He had the fastball, and we taught him a slider. The movement and velocity on the slider is exactly what we were looking for," said Saints pitching coach Pete Larson.
Bechtold reached 98 mph with his fastball during his first outing, the Pioneer Press reports. He's given up four runs in 1.2 innings over his first two appearances with two strikeouts and four walks. He's hitting .271 with seven home runs and a .818 OPS in 50 games as a batter. Bechtold's added versatility could help him make the major-league roster, but he may need a full season as a pitcher before the Twins consider him for the bullpen.
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Twins' Andrew Bechtold: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Bechtold was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Twins on Wednesday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.
Bechtold reached Triple-A for the first time toward the end of last season, and he slashed .220/.324/.373 across 136 plate appearances while there. The 26-year-old infielder will likely resume the 2023 season at that level after going just 1-for-23 at the plate during spring training.
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