Minnesota Twins searching for 3B depth to challenge Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe is currently penciled into the starting third base role for the Minnesota Twins, but after struggling at the end of the season, Minnesota is planning to sign a player to challenge Plouffe.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said while his focus this offseason is to add starting pitching, he is also looking for a third baseman who can challenge Plouffe. Ryan said the Twins need to create competition and thought competing would be good for Plouffe. Ryan, who is currently at the winter meetings, said it's possible the Twins could add someone before the meetings end on Thursday.

Plouffe was one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball in June and July, but struggled the rest of the season. He hit .317 with 14 home runs and 30 RBI during those two months, but hit just .184 the rest of the season. With most of the free agent budget slotted to starting pitching, any addition would likely come with a reasonable salary.