Minnesota Twins Taking Calls on Another All-Star Talent
The Minnesota Twins’ offseason has once again become the punchline of MLB’s winter meetings, thanks to yet another round of absurd expectations from ownership. Last year, they were hit with a $30 million payroll cut. This year, the directive is no increase at all, forcing the team into the unenviable position of shedding even more dollars.
Given the staggering sums being tossed around in the free agent market, there’s no excuse for Derek Falvey to hang up when teams inquire about his high-priced talent. This was evident with Carlos Correa, but he’s far from the only big-dollar player on the Twins’ roster drawing attention.
Adding talent should be the Minnesota Twins focus
Two years ago the Minnesota Twins put together the greatest playoff run in decades. Ownership has followed that up by being obtuse, clueless, and utterly laughable. Up against another payroll mandate, Derek Falvey must shed salary, and Pablo Lopez is the latest name to be mentioned.
“The Twins have listened on right-hander Pablo Lopez, and if free agent pitching prices remain stratospheric, perhaps they’ll go beyond the listening stage.”
Jeff Passan on the Twins trade discussions (ESPN)
Among industry insiders, no one is more plugged in or consistently accurate than Jeff Passan. If he reports that the Twins have both received and entertained offers for Pablo López, then it’s the truth. The sad reality is that they didn’t immediately hang up the phone.
The Oakland Athletics have just committed $67 million to 31-year-old Luis Severino, who’s coming off a season with a 3.91 ERA and a 4.21 FIP. While these numbers are an improvement from his disastrous 2023 season (6.65 ERA, 6.14 FIP), they are still below his peak performances from years past, which makes this hefty investment all the more surprising.
Pablo López, Nasty 89mph Changeup…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/XeFWXdbAcI
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 13, 2024
Pablo López was not at his best for the Minnesota Twins last season, posting a 4.08 ERA alongside a 3.65 FIP. However, he maintained a strong strikeout rate with 9.6 K/9 and is still only 29 years old. With three years remaining on his contract at over $64 million, in today’s free agent market, he’d likely command significantly more if he were available.
Related: Veteran Infielder Named as Realistic Free Agent Target for Minnesota Twins
Minnesota having to listen on their ace is a laughable reality. The is no scenario in which trading Lopez, regardless of the return, makes the Twins better. His salary escalates for 2025 though, so Falvey must operate through the demands of ownership.
State of the Twins is a sad reality
At a point in which Correa is signed, Buxton is leaving his prime, and multiple young players are entering theirs, it’s a time that the Minnesota Twins should be going all in. The division has no clear frontrunner, and Derek Falvey could establish his franchise as such.
Unfortunately, Joe, Jim, and the ghost of Carl are clueless owners completely out of touch when it comes to asset management. It probably makes sense to trade Christian Vazquez, Chris Paddack, and maybe even Willi Castro. To do so only to get under a self-imposed threshold, though, rings hollow.
PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT. WHAT A PLAY TO END THE INNING. pic.twitter.com/ZA8W58HtHn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 27, 2024
Minnesota could reallocate certain assets and be a player in the free agent market. They need first base help and a right-handed outfielder. Right now they cannot afford either, and they’d rather filter through the thrift section when making any moves, than be a big player.
Related: Prospective Minnesota Twins Buyers Announce Huge Cuts to Phoenix Suns Concession Prices
Fans, the front office, and the manager all deserve better from the Minnesota Twins. When calls come in for key players, the response should be swift – a click to hang up.
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