Players the Minnesota Twins need to target in free agency this offseason

The Minnesota Twins will have a lot of players returning as starters in 2019, but here is a list of free agents the team could target to improve the roster.

While the Minnesota Twins have many positions filled for this season there are still a few holes that need to be filled. Jorge Polanco has shortstop locked down for a couple years till Royce Lewis arrives. The only way he’s not at shortstop is if Twins sign a shortstop and Polanco slides to second base. Third base is Miguel Sano’s spot unless Twins decide he’s better off at first base then Twins would likely target a third baseman in free agency. All 3 outfield positions are locked down for the foreseeable future with Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Max Kepler as starters and Jake Cave as the 4th outfielder.

As long as everyone remains healthy the top four rotation spots will likely go to Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Jake Odorizzi, and Michael Pineda. With those rotation spots locked down by returning guys, the Twins will look for a fifth starter to emerge this offseason unless the Twins sign or trade for a top arm in which case everyone will get bumped down a spot.

The bullpen looks as unsettled as any position group. Tayor Rogers, Addison Reed, Trevor Hildenberger, Trevor May all should be in the mix. There are still a couple spots available that in-house guys such as Gabriel Moya, Alan Busenitz, Tyler Duffey, Andrew Vasquez, and Matt Magill could be considered for.

Below we will consider the positions for the 2019 Twins that looks open or could upgrade this coming offseason.

Second Base

Nick Gordon is still a year away and the Twins don’t have anyone else in the system to take the job for this season. There is a possibility that they could just slide Jorge Polanco over to second base and sign a shortstop but I think Polanco is an adequate defensive shortstop. Ehire Adrianza is a much better bench player option than a full time player,

Here are a few players the Twins could target in free agency as fillers until Gordon is ready:

Brian Dozier

Brian Dozier‘s stock has really fallen off with his poor season. He would be a solid clubhouse guy with Mauer possibly gone. Dozier has went from a possible Qualifying offer candidate to a cheaper stop gap option. Hit 34 home runs just 1 season ago so a very solid bounce back candidate.

Possible contract: 1 year, $8 Million

Logan Forsythe

Logan Forsythe is a player Twins are familiar with. He had a strong start with Twins but really fell off as the season wound down. Been an above average player entire career for Tampa Bay. Might’ve needed out of LA spotlight.

Possible contract: 1 year, $3-4 Million

Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias plays shortstop but could be a fit if Polanco goes to second base. Iglesias is a fairly solid player. At 29 years old it will take more than 1 year to lock him down. Was an all star as recently as 2015.

Possible contract: 3 years $30 Million

Eduardo Escobar

Eduardo Escobar had a very good season and is familiar with the Twins. Had he not been traded, Escobar might’ve been an under the radar Qualifying Offer player. Can play multiple positions if needed. Since he is coming off of a career year it will take a decent amount of money to sign him. Coming off a career year. Might be an overpay with only 1 above average season.

Possible Contract: 3 year, $40 Million

Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler a decent season and was traded from Angels to Red Sox at this year’s deadline. He is an older player at 36 years old, but could still be a good stop-gap option. Solid part time player and good clubhouse leader.

Possible Contract: 1 year, $10 Million.

First Base/Designated Hitter

Joe Mauer

Starting with the obvious, if Joe Mauer wants to come back he likely has a spot with the Twins. Considering everything we saw that last week I’d be surprised if he returned. Still a solid player that gets on base no matter what stats show.

Possible contract: 1 Year, $10 Million

Nelson Cruz

Signing Nelson Cruz probably won’t happen but you never know. His production has remained consistent but could start to decline as he is 37 years old. Cruz would be an excellent DH option but he is going to get decent last contract.

Possible contract: 2-3 years, $30 Million

Logan Morrison

Most Twins fans don’t want to see Logan Morrison back but if he’s healthy I wouldn’t mind seeing what he’s got. Can decline his option and sign him for cheaper.

Possible contract: 1 year, $4 Million

Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe is a name from the past. If the Twins want to roll with what they have in Tyler Austin and have a rotating option at DH with Garver and Cave they could try to add a bench player.  Plouffe is a well respected leader which will be needed this upcoming season.

Possible contract: Minor league deal with Spring Training Invite.

Starting Pitcher

Not sure how much of a need this is with all the in house options for the Twins but you can never have enough pitchers.

The two biggest starting pitching free agents are Patrick Corbin and Dallas Keuchel. Both are going to command a big time payday. Would be a nice addition to rotation but going to be out of price range I believe.

Any additions after those two won’t move the needle enough to significantly upgrade the rotation. There are some cheaper 4 or 5 starter types including Jamie Garcia, Drew Pomeranz, Tyson Ross Garrett Richards, Jeremy Hellickson, and Matt Harvey