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Minnesota Twins: 5 bold predictions for the Twins this offseason

By Chris Schad

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Oracle Park on September 14, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Oracle Park on September 14, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 11: Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to flying out against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning of the interleague game at Target Field on September 11, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Nationals defeated the Twins 6-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 11: Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to flying out against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning of the interleague game at Target Field on September 11, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Nationals defeated the Twins 6-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The Twins will trade Eddie Rosario

These predictions have been focused on the pitching staff so far, but there could be a major change in the lineup as well in order to add one more arm to the rotation. To do that, the Twins could part ways with Eddie Rosario.

This will not be a popular move among Twins fans, but it could be one that gives the Twins more sustainability moving forward. The outfielder’s stats (.276, 32 HR, 109 RBI) look great in the middle of the Twins lineup, but his on-base percentage (.300) ranked 49th among MLB outfielders and his defense (although brilliant at times) has also been a liability for the Twins with random lapses in concentration and errant throws.

One of the biggest reasons to move Rosario is his salary, which may also anger the Twins fan base, but could also be used to throw back into the pitching staff. Instead of paying the $8-9 million Rosario could make in arbitration, the Twins could go with a cheaper alternative and throw it toward signing a stud pitcher while also acquiring another arm to fill out the middle-to-bottom half of the pitching staff.

The other thing is that the Twins can sustain such a move. With Jake Cave and LaMonte Wade Jr. being solid outfielders, Minnesota can also send Marwin Gonzalez to the outfield if need be until super prospects Trevor Larnach and/or Alex Kirilloff are ready for their big-league close-up.

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