The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have hired former Twins Michael Cuddyer, LaTroy Hawkins and Torii Hunter as Special Assistants to Baseball Operations.
Cuddyer, 37, was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft and played 15 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 seasons with the Twins from 2001-11. He also played three seasons in Colorado and one with New York-NL, winning the NL batting title for the Rockies with a .331 batting average in 2013. The former outfielder played a key role on six different Twins AL Central Division championship teams. The two-time All-Star (2011 with Twins and 2013 with Rockies) played 1,139 career games in a Twins uniform, hitting 141 home runs with 580 RBI. Cuddyer's responsibilities will include, but not are limited to, helping position player development by focusing on transition programs and teaching an understanding of major league expectations, environment, and culture. He will also be involved in the amateur draft process and throughout the year as a resource for player acquisitions.
Hawkins, 44, was drafted by the Twins in the seventh round of the 1991 First-Year Player Draft and played 21 seasons in the major leagues with 11 different teams, recording at least one save against all 30 teams - one of 13 relievers to ever do so. He pitched nine seasons in Minnesota from 1995-2003, appearing in 366 games. The Gary, Indiana native ranks 10th on baseball's all-time list in games, appearing in 1,042 over his 21-year career. Hawkins' responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, contributing to the development of our organizational pitching philosophies used in the selection and development of all players. Additionally, he will contribute to the amateur scouting process and trade deadline preparation meetings.
Hunter, 41, was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 1993 First-Year Player Draft and played 19 seasons in the major leagues, including 12 for Minnesota from 1997-2007 and again in 2015. Additionally, he played five seasons in Los Angeles-AL and two in Detroit. He was named to five All-Star teams, earned nine Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and two Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards. Torii was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in 2016 and ranks among the Twins top 10 in multiple categories, including games (1,373), hits (1,343), doubles (281), home runs (214) and RBI (792). Hunter's responsibilities will include, but not limited to, emphasizing heavy focus on organizational culture and major league environment, and spending time with the major league team and baseball operations decision making staff. He will also be involved with the amateur draft process, scouting, minor leagues and trade deadline preparation.
All three special assistants will ultimately be responsible for serving as a resource for players and coaches in the mental and fundamental aspects of the game. In their role as Special Assistants, Cuddyer, Hunter and Hawkins will participate in Spring Training, instructional programs, and visit all minor league affiliates throughout the season. They will work alongside the Baseball Operations staff and uniform personnel to ensure development in player understanding of culture, talent evaluation and organizational vision. In addition, all three will play a part in supporting the Twins community efforts, being involved in charities and community work throughout Twins Territory.