Former MLB GM Lists 10 Free Agent Fits for the Minnesota Twins

This offseason is a pivotal one for the Minnesota Twins. Not only does Derek Falvey need to right the ship of a team that sank down the stretch, but he’ll have to do it on a tight budget once again. The Pohlad family isn’t going to drop payroll further, but that leaves the front office needing to make trades in order to free up cash. Minnesota will monitor the free agent market, but will they go all in?

Last offseason the Twins most significant move came in the form of a multi-player trade involving Jorge Polanco. They could reasonably move pieces around like that again. If there are dollars that make themselves available, then adding from the open market makes a good deal of sense.

What free agents make sense for the Minnesota Twins?

Each season Major League Baseball organizations find themselves looking to supplement their roster from the open market. Last year the Minnesota Twins did well when coming to an agreement with Carlos Santana. He was a later addition that should wind up winning a Glove Glove, and only costing them a nominal amount. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden provided potential names that Derek Falvey may want to consider.

There is plenty to digest here but the theme (which should not be shocking) is pitching. Yusei Kikuchi is a name that the Twins have been in on during multiple occasions. He probably earned a decent pay bump with his performance following the trade to Houston, and that could take him off the market. Sean Manaea and Jordan Montgomery would both give Minnesota a lefty option. The latter should absolutely exercise his $22.5 million player option and avoid free agency.

Yusei Kikuchi Astros debut:

5.2 IP
2 ER
11 Ks
3 H
3 BB
26 whiffs (career-high)

He struck out 8 consecutive hitters.

pic.twitter.com/2n2J5N0CaA

— Underdog MLB (@Underdog__MLB) August 3, 2024

Related: Ranking: 10 Most Likely Minnesota Twins to be Traded This Offseason

The vast majority of Bowden’s list poses a problem because they will command at least a significant chunk of change. Sure, Jurickson Profar made nothing last season, but he just earned a big payday. It’s possible the Twins non-tender Willi Castro for being too expensive, so Profar probably isn’t going to be someone they dabble with.

Related: BR Makes a Case for Why Minnesota Twins Should Trade Byron Buxton

Minnesota may believe either Alex Verdugo or Rhys Hoskins are buy-low candidates. The former could play the outfield corner vacated by Max Kepler. It’s unlikely that Santana returns to play first base, so maybe Hoskins is the answer at a lesser number.

Rhys Hoskins extends the @Brewers lead with home run No. 23. 💥 pic.twitter.com/pxvb5yL9wA

— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2024

Very little should be expected from the Twins on the open market this offseason. That may change depending on how aggressive, and how quickly, they are able to make some trades. Falvey is being forced to thread the needle once again, and that makes roster building a tough task. He will have the benefit of multiple young players being in their second season, and additional prospects should be coming.

Related: Minnesota Twins Plan to Shop at Least One Young Infielder This Offseason

The World Series kicks off on Friday, and following a big spender winning, the offseason will commence in earnest. It’s too bad that the Twins can’t won’t just rack up a $300 million bill, sign everyone, and call it a day.