Minnesota Twins sign Team Italy's Drew Maggi to minor league deal with invite to MLB Spring Training Camp

Team Italy utility player Drew Maggi may finally get his chance to break into MLB with the Minnesota Twins. The 29-year-old accepted a minor league contract along with an invitation to Minnesota Twins Spring Training in Fort Myers, Florida on January 16, 2019. He will report to camp on February 17 and have the opportunity to play in MLB Spring Training home games at Hammond Stadium beginning February 23.

If Drew Maggi can match his impressive performance during 2018 Spring Training, the proud Italian American may prove himself worthy of a Twins 2019 Opening Day roster spot. While playing for the Cleveland Indians last spring in Arizona, Drew Maggi registered a .342 batting average (13-for-38) with 11 runs scored and four RBI. Despite his impressive numbers, Tribe manager Tito Francona could not find room on his star-studded Big League team for the career minor leaguer. Drew Maggi spent the 2018 season at Triple-A Columbus before joining Team Italy in the Netherlands for the five-day Super 6 Tournament last September. He ranked first in triples and second in homers during the European tourney with a .364 batting average.

Drafted out of Arizona State University in the 15th round in the 2010 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Drew Maggi made his Azzurri debut in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Prior to the WBC, he had minor league stints with the Los Angeles Angels in 2015 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. After returning to Triple-A Oklahoma Dodgers in 2017, he signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. With nine seasons under his belt in Minor League Baseball, Drew Maggi is a seasoned professional ready for MLB. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti