Penny-Pinching Minnesota Twins Still Expected to be Active This Offseason

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Chris Paddack, Minnesota Twins
Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have already started their offseason. The biggest news thus far has been the announcement of a potential sale. But it’s unlikely the Pohlads are able to sell the organization in the next nine to twelve months, let alone the next three to five. That means we’re still dealing with an underwhelming budget this offseason, to add talent.

After doing exit interviews with the media, it was reported that the Minnesota Twins have no intentions of further decreasing payroll. That’s a good thing because they already lopped off $30 million last offseason.

Still, that leaves very little room for additional spending in the offseason. In fact, it will allow none. So if the Twins want to improve on a non-playoff roster, it will have to come via the trade market, one way or another.

Minnesota Twins expected to be active in the trade market this offseason

And that’s what The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman expects to happen. There’s no way the front office is going to run things back, after all the heat coming from the fanbase. So, without any cash to spend, the Minnesota Twins insider expects them to turn to the trade block.

“I suspect the Twins will be very active in the trade market, in part because ownership’s payroll restrictions leave zero space to make any meaningful additions without also removing salary and in part because the second-half collapse could compel the front office to shake up the team’s core. That doesn’t necessarily mean blockbuster deals are coming. It could be as simple as creating a sliver of monetary flexibility by trading Paddack and/or Christian Vázquez, who are owed a combined $17.5 million for 2025. But “standing pat” seems unlikely, especially if the front office feels jobs could be on the line coming off a fourth-place season and with new owners looming.”

Gleeman on ways for the Twins to address the roster (The Athletic)

The feeling this offseason, is a lot like last offseason. They announced a slashing of payroll, and everyone looked for some big trades. It took awhile but it eventually happened. Jorge Polanco was dealt to the Mariners.

Justin Topa and Anthony DeSclafani were acquired, in return, to address pitching shortfalls. Unfortunately, the veterans who could be traded in order to free up money this time around are not the same worth or value as 2023 Jorge Polanco or even Max Kepler.

Related: 3 Minnesota Twins Who Might Switch Positions in 2025

Christian Vazquez and Chris Paddack aren’t going to bring back even what Polanco did, especially if they want the new team to take on all salary. Realistically Minnesota’s greatest needs, and opportunities for 2025, all come in the form of youth taking another step forward or traded out.

Trades present ideal opportunity for Twins

Realistically there isn’t an avenue for the Twins to be a significant player on the open market. Up against a self-imposed payroll restriction, they can’t afford to pay more established MLB talent. That’s why, as Gleeman points out, Falvey will have to wheel and deal over the next few months.

The Minnesota Twins have a strong farm system, one that ranks amongst the best in the league. That depth should allow ample opportunity to entice a partner. Will the front office pull the trigger? After such a poor season, probably.

Related: 3 Starting Pitchers the Minnesota Twins Should Try to Add This Offseason

The Twins will look to put an ugly collapse behind them in 2025. The more talent they can add, and some they need to part out, the better off they’ll be. But it won’t be easy.

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