Free Agency Looms, Twins Already Active
The Minnesota Twins have now put their next manager in place by naming Paul Molitor to the post today. The next step is making sure the team on the field is ready to take the next step forward. Although the farm system is loaded, signings through free agency for 2015 will be key. The good news is the Twins have already been active.
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At this point, no teams can agree to anything with players, but that all changes at 11pm tonight, and things will start to happen at a blistering pace.
Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN is reporting that the Twins have already been making a handful of calls, and that pitching and outfield help will remain their priorities.
#MNTwins have already made FA calls. Pitching is the priority. But looking at OFs, etc. Just can't talk contractual terms until 11p tonight.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) November 3, 2014
Looking at free agency as a whole, I have suggested that a front line, but realistic, starter like James Shields would be a great move for the Twins. However, there is a host of names Minnesota has already been linked to, let’s look at some of those scenarios.
Pitching:
- Ervin Santana– The Twins looked at him last year but decided against it. He pitched well for the Braves but the Twins would need to give up a pick in order to sign him.
- Jason Hammel– Sent from the Cubs to the Athletics, he was pummeled in the AL West. He’s been linked to the Twins already.
- Brett Anderson– Opted out of his contract with the Rockies, he looked good before once again getting hurt. May be worth the risk and is only 27.
- Francisco Liriano– I have heard he would be open to the idea, and with a fresh start, it could be a good landing spot after the way he pitched in Pittsburgh for the last couple of seasons.
Outfield:
- Yasmany Tomas- Despite looking to be in, Tomas is probably out of the realm of possibility, and there may be in house options that make spending here not worth it.
- Torii Hunter– Would be a nice reunion yet, but would he play left field? Does Torii want to play for a team in rebuilding mode?
- Michael Cuddyer– Likely the same situation as Torii. Not sure that coming back to a rebuilding team is the desire.
Make sure to stay tuned in as the Twins get busy during the free agent frenzy.
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