MN Twins Suddenly Out on Adding Shortstop… and Any Other MLB Free Agents

It’s Valentine’s Day, which is a very important holiday on the yearly calendar because it earmarks the start of MLB spring training. Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers reported to Fort Myers on Thursday, meaning the 2025 season is right around the corner.

The Twins’ first spring training game is only eight days away, next Saturday vs the Atlanta Braves at Lee Health Sports Complex in Florida. After that, the countdown begins to Opening Day on March 27, in St. Louis vs the Cardinals on the road.

After being quiet for most of the offseason, activity has increased for the Twins exponentially over the past couple weeks. It started when they signed a fourth outfielder, Harrison Bader, then followed it up with a familiar lefty reliever, Danny Coulombe before inking former All-Star first baseman, Ty France earlier this week.

But even after the France signing, insiders were still hearing behind the scenes that the Minnesota Twins were still in the market to add at shortstop, behind Carlos Correa. Over the past 24 hours, however, it appears those plans have changed.

Minnesota Twins done with free agency, so no more help at shortstop…

According to local insiders Darren Wolfson (SKOR North) and Dan Hayes (The Athletic), the Twins are no longer interested in signing more free agents. Both reporters noted Minnesota’s previous interest in Louis Urias. Hayes also mentions Paul DeJong as a SS option Falvey & Co had been interested in.

A week ago the Twins were looking for a backup shortstop. That’s no longer the case; a team source confirmed the Twins are likely done in the free-agent market after signing first baseman Ty France to a non-guaranteed MLB deal for $1 million on Tuesday. The one-year deal is still pending a physical. Before signing France, the Twins inquired about Luis Urías and Paul DeJong, who would have come at a higher price tag with guaranteed MLB deals.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

“Had a conversation with Derek Falvey, I mentioned this the other day—Louis Urías, the free-agent shortstop, former Brewer, and former Mariner. If the Twins were to add him, it would be as a non-roster invite. Any move to add a shortstop would be downplayed. If they do bring in someone like Urías, it would be an NRI deal, not a full-fledged major league deal.”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Falvey did tell Wolfson that the team may still bring in a shortstop on a minor league deal. That’s something to keep an eye out for. But obviously, the Minnesota Twins won’t be adding any more guaranteed MLB money to the roster, unless something changes their current thinking.

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This means, Carlos Correa needs to find a way to stay healthy because when he is, he’s one of the best players in the league. Last season, he played just 86 games, the fewest he’s had in a full season since 2019. But when he was on the field, he delivered, hitting .310/.388/.517 with 14 home runs.

Willi Castro and Brooks Lee are two other options the Twins could turn to at shortstop if something goes wrong. They’re decent choices, but many fans will be disappointed if they follow through and do not add more depth at shortstop or other weaknesses on the roster.