Minnesota Twins: How the winter so far could affect Twins

Deals for bats

If the starting pitching market has been slow, the market for bats that would interest the Minnesota Twins for their designated hitter role has been flat-out sloth-like in its pace of development, with only one of the major names signed before Christmas.

That big name off of the board thus far has been former division rival, Carlos Santana, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a guaranteed 3 years and $60 million. The Phillies were really not even a team mentioned in the market, so that set off a sort of ricochet of events.

First, the Red Sox signed back Mitch Moreland after reportedly being deep into the Santana discussions. Moreland signed a 2-year pact for $13 million guaranteed, but that will likely necessitate a move for the Red Sox for them to bring in their top target J.D. Martinez.

The Indians responded to the loss of Santana by making a wise signing of Yonder Alonso, giving him 2 years and $16 million. That signing should allow the Indians payroll flexibility to pursue other needs this season and also to keep their relievers Cody Allen and Andrew Miller, who are both free agents after this upcoming season.

Only one other bat that really fits this mold has signed, and that’s Matt Adams, who signed as a lefty bat off the bench for the Washington Nationals for a year and $4 million.

While the Twins are likely not in the market for J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, or Mike Moustakas, there are a number of others they could still be interested in. Let’s take a look at the three markets and how the signings so far could affect the prices the Twins would have to pay for the players left available as Christmas rolls around.

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