Veteran Infielder Named as Realistic Free Agent Target for Minnesota Twins

Paul Goldschmidt
Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

It’s tough for major professional sports teams to add talent when those who run baseball operations are given strict limitations on how much they can spend, in order to do so. But that’s the current lot in life for Minnesota Twins president Derek Falvey, after the Pohlad ownership group announced they will not cut payroll again this offseason.

That’s worth celebrating, right? Well, there is a problem. Last year’s Twins roster is more expensive, in 2025. So Falvey & Co still have to shave what is now a $140 million roster, back down to $130 million. This, while also trying to fill major holes in the batting lineup, and on the pitching staff…

Outside of Carlos Correa trade rumors, the Minnesota Twins were relatively inactive at the Winter Meetings. That’s because they are broke… which is probably the same reason why they risked a 26-man roster spot on a cheap Rule 5 Draft choice for the pitching staff.

Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt linked to Minnesota Twins

Paul Goldschmidt - St. Louis Cardinals
Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

In order for Minnesota to spend money, they’ll need to reallocate some first. They have a few players that look like logical pieces to move. If the Twins can free up some cash flow, then they’ll be able to hit the open market, where MLB experts at Bleacher Report see St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as a “realistic” free agent target.

“The Twins are on the hunt for right-handed bats, generally, and a first baseman, specifically. Goldschmidt checks both boxes, and he ought to be relatively affordable after back-to-back seasons of diminishing returns for the St. Louis Cardinals. Which is good, because the 2025 Twins are already projected to go beyond the reduced payroll that they carried this year. Even if signing Goldschmidt were to push payroll even further, it’s worth finding out if the 2022 NL MVP has anything left.”

Zach Rymer on Paul Goldschmidt for Minnesota (Bleacher Report)

It’s fair to be leery of Goldschmidt as an answer to the Twins problems, given his decline in production and growing age. Goldschmidt had just a 98 OPS+ last season, but was at 120 OPS+ in 2023, prior to his decline. In 2024, the 2009 8th round pick out of Texas Texas State had a higher hard hit rate (40.0%) than either of his previous two seasons (one of which won him an MVP), but his 10.6% barrel rate was a career-low.

Twins love their value-add veteran free agents…

It’s no wonder Paul Goldschmidt is being linked to the Minnesota Twins. They like to buy low on veterans, just like they did last season with Santana, who owned a 104 OPS+, in 146 games for the Pirates and Brewers during the 2023 season, before signing with Minnesota and reinvigorating his career.

But here’s the thing… they only had to pay Santana $5.25 million. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicts Goldschmidt to get $15 million on a one-year deal, with his new team. So, the only way the Twins land the 2022 National League MVP is if they can shake loose some serious spending cash… and soon.

The first baseman expanded the zone more than he ever has, swinging at 28.9% of pitches outside of it. That also resulted in a career-worst 11.9% whiff rate. Of course bat speed will decline as you age, but Goldschmidt could have seen some struggles simply due to decision making.

Related: Minnesota Twins Select Pitcher in 2024 Rule 5 Draft

The Minnesota Twins have a few players they are shopping, and others that look like logical pieces to move, but Falvey would really have to stretch those savings to land a player as expensive as Goldschmidt, who has collected an impressive 62.8 bWAR in his career.

In 2024, he wasn’t his normal All-Star self, though. He added just 1.3 bWAR to his career total, while hitting a career low .248 BA and a putrid .716 OPS (next lowest is .808 as a rookie). Still, on a bad St. Louis Cardinals team, he still managed 70 RBI and 22 homers, in 599 at-bats over 154 games.

If the Twins believe new hitting coach Matt Borgschulte can work with Goldschmidt and get him back on track, the offensive production could be beneficial. It took time for Santana to settle in, and he faded down the stretch. A different player given the opportunity may work out better.

Paul Goldschmidt would be solid defensively at 1st base

Part of the allure in running it back with Santana is his defensive acumen. He truly was lights out with the leather and that won’t be replicated by any in-house options. Paul Goldschmidt is not the same caliber player, but he has never produced negative defensive metrics across his career. Still, he is definitely on the decline, defensively.

Related: New Minnesota Twins President Has His Eye on One Almost Ready Prospect

Last season, in more than 1,300 innings Goldschmidt posted exactly zero defensive runs saved and no outs above average, or fielding runs above average. In 2023 he was worth 3 runs, 3 runs and 2 runs above average in all of those categories, respectively.

It makes sense for the Twins to prioritize defense at first base. Players like Edouard Julien, Royce Lewis, and Jose Miranda all leave something to be desired on defense. A reliable first baseman can elevate each of them. But we’ll see if they can stretch their budget for an aging veteran like Paul Goldschmidt.

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