12 moves this offseason thus far that the Twins should've pulled off instead

We are less than a month from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training for the 2026 MLB season, and to say that the Twins have had an unexciting offseason to this point would be an understatement. The only addition of much note has been Josh Bell, who likely profiles as the team's primary first baseman. The most notable lack of movement has been in rebuilding the bullpen, after the team traded its five best relievers at the 2025 trade deadline. They did complete an early offseason trade for Eric Orze, who at this point looks like a surefire bet to be on the Opening Day roster.

12 offseason moves that the Twins should've made themselves

In looking at roster moves that Twins fans would've enjoyed the team making, it's important to note that just because a player signed a certain deal with a team doesn't mean they would've signed that deal with the Twins. Minnesota is likely not at the top of players' lists when they hit free agency right now, considering the team's insistence on slashing payroll, trading its major pieces at the deadline, and overall lack of recent success. Still, it's a worthwhile exercise to look at deals that would've been good additions for the team had they made it happen.

Mets sign INF Jorge Polanco for 2 years, $40 million

A signing that would've brought back a fan favorite, Polanco was likely out of the Twins' price range at $20M per year. Still, he is an impact middle-of-the-lineup bat, and could've worked into the lineup at either first base, designated hitter, or even second base if Luke Keaschall was moved off of second base. He may not have been a perfect fit, but Polanco would've been a signing that brought some joy back to Twins fans after a disheartening 2025 season.

Pirates sign 1B Ryan O'Hearn for 2 years, $29 million

Not to knock the Josh Bell signing too much, but O'Hearn would've felt like a more inspiring and exciting acquisition. After struggling early in his big league career, O'Hearn has become a very reliable bat. He would've slotted in as the Twins' every-day first baseman, and would've been a nice complement to the team's right-handed bats such as Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, and Luke Keaschall.

Mets sign RHP Luke Weaver for 2 years, $22 million

Weaver was an integral piece of the Yankees' bullpen over the past two seasons, although he did endure some struggles last season. Still, he would've been a great addition to a bullpen that could use some stability and a full-time closer. He has some closer experience with the Yankees, and while it wouldn't fully replace the five relievers that were traded in July, it would be a start.

Marlins sign RHP Pete Fairbanks for 1 year, $13 million

Fairbanks opted out of his contract with the Rays to become a free agent this offseason, and ended up landing a sizeable one-year deal with the Marlins. Similar to Weaver, Fairbanks has closing experience and would've slotted in as the full-time closer for the Twins. The deal likely priced the Twins out if they did have any interest, but still, Fairbanks would've been a fun personality and an experienced late-inning arm.

Cardinals sign SP Dustin May for 1 year, $12.5 million

Starting pitcher is definitely not the Twins' biggest need at the moment. In fact, it may actually be the team's greatest strength. Still, beyond Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober, the team will rely heavily on young and unproven starters. The last two rotation spots are currently expected to be filled out by two of Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and David Festa. Not a bad spot to be in by any means, but adding another veteran to the group would've been a nice way to shell out a portion of the money that the team supposedly had to play with this offseason.

Phillies sign OF Adolis García for 1 year, $10 million

After seemingly establishing himself as a reliable power-hitting corner outfielder, García has failed to eclipse a .700 OPS in each of the past two seasons. Despite the decline, the power remains, and García could, at the very minimum, be relied upon to be a nice platoon bat. The Twins could use a right-handed corner outfielder, considering the plethora of left-handed hitting outfielders they have, especially if they insist on keeping Trevor Larnach.