Minnesota Twins: Winter Meetings are over, what’s next for the Twins?

Now that the winter meetings are over, what will the Minnesota Twins do with the rest of the offseason?

As the Minnesota Twins left the winter meetings on Thursday, they had a new starter, a new possible closer, and a Rule 5 pick for the bullpen. What more could be coming this offseason for the club?

First, let’s take a look at the moves that did happen!

Michael Pineda, Fernando Rodney, Tyler Kinley

The Minnesota Twins made two major league signings this week during the winter meetings and drafted one player in the Rule 5 draft.

Michael Pineda was signed by the Twins not for the 2018 season as much as for the 2019 season as he will miss most (if not all) of the 2018 season due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in mid-2017. Pineda could return late in 2018 to the Twins as a bullpen option to really boost a playoff run, but his primary focus is returning to the rotation in 2019, where he could be a significant boost at a very reasonable cost.

The Twins gave Pineda a two-year deal for a total value of $10 million. He will make $2 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019.

On Thursday, the Twins signed veteran reliever Fernando Rodney to a one year deal. Rodney has plenty of experience as a closer at the major league level, and he could provide veteran leadership to what should otherwise be a young relief corps. The Twins were able to sign Rodney to a deal with a $4.5 million base contract and the chance to earn up to $6 million.

Also Thursday, the Twins made one selection in the Rule 5 draft, picking right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley from the Miami Marlins organization. Kinley has a big fastball and will be 27 before opening day this season, but has the type of raw stuff that could be excellent in the bullpen if he’s able to hone his control.

So what is left to do? We will look at things that have actually been reported to be in the works…