Twins to Target Scherzer, Shields in Free Agency?
The Minnesota Twins have an abundance of starting pitching for the first time in a matter of a few years. However, the abundance seems to be in the quantity department and not necessarily that of quality. Through free agency this offseason, the Minnesota Twins could look to address that specific issue.
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Phil Hughes appears as the only guaranteed lock for the starting rotation in 2015. Other names that would be in contention would include Trevor May, Alex Meyer, Kyle Gibson, Ricky Nolasco, and Tommy Milone. There is some significant talent there, but you’d be hard pressed to pick out a sure thing.
For the Twins, two options in free agency could come from teams currently in the AL Central division. Max Scherzer and James Shields are both set to be free agents this offseason.
Scherzer is likely going to be paid as one of the highest paid pitchers in baseball, that’s not something the Twins adhere to doing. James Shields is likely a more enticing option while weighing the price tag, but he may be out of the realm as well.
MLB writer Steve Adams confirmed that notion in saying, “I’ve said multiple times in these chats that I think Max Scherzer is going to sign the largest contract for a free agent pitcher in history. Twins won’t go there. Biggest name I can see them on is James Shields, but that’s probably too pricey for them as well.”
After being burned by Nolasco this offseason, I’d expect the Twins to shy away from the big name guys this offseason. However, there are some other options that could end up making sense for the Twins. His price likely has gone up, but Ervin Santana was a name the Twins were intrigued by in 2014.
At any rate, with the Twins looking for a drastic turnaround in 2015, look for them to supplement the young talent with some strong free agent pieces joining the team.