Former Padre Carlos Quentin signs with Twins

Former Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin, 33, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. He will make $750,000 if he makes the 40-man roster.

Quentin spent the 2012-2014 seasons with the Padres. Injuries limited him to 86, 82 and 50 games during his time in San Diego. He was named to the All-Star team twice (both with the Chicago White Sox), one of which was in 2008. He hit a career best 36 home runs and batted in a career best 100 runs that season

Quentin was traded to the Atlanta Braves last April, but was released just nine days later. He signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners eight days later before announcing his retirement a week later.

“Over the past several days, it became clear to me that my injuries have taken too great of a physical toll for me to be able to perform at the level I expect from myself,” said Quentin. “As a result, I believe it is the right time for me to walk away and to refocus my energy on the next chapter of my life with my family.” Yahoo Sports

Quentin was drafted 29^th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003. He made his major league debut with them in 2006 and was traded after the 2007 season to Chicago. He spent the 2008-2011 seasons there before being traded to the Padres after the 2011 season.

Given his age and having a full season off, it is not too surprising to see Quentin coming back. He won’t be asked to play much if he makes the Twins final roster, since their outfield consists of youngsters Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. Byung-Ho Park is expected to be the designated hitter.

Sometimes spending some time away from doing what you have done for years makes you more appreciative. That may very well have been the case with Quentin. Maybe retirement also was not what he expected it to be. If his comeback fails, at least he won’t have regrets about giving it another shot.

In 834 career games, Quentin has hit .252 with 154 home runs and 491 RBIs.