Minnesota Twins: Breaking down the Odds of Stars Landing in Minnesota
By Otto Johnson
Tier 4: Minnesota Twins Miracle Players
Trevor Bauer: We start off this list with the best pitcher available on the market and arguably the best player available. The reigning National League Cy Young winner is one of the top targets for any team, regardless of if they’re competing or not.
The issue for Bauer is two-fold: money and organizational situation. While some Twins fans would like to deny it, the Twins simply don’t have the money of a major-market team, and they can’t afford to shell out nearly $40 million on top of their current salary. In addition, Bauer has shown no interest in becoming a Twin. Chance: 5%
J.T. Realmuto: Once again, this is a top notch talent that nearly every team should want on their team. For the Minnesota Twins, Realmuto would be a luxury. The best catcher in baseball would be a huge upgrade over the Mitch Garver-Ryan Jeffers combo. There’s a problem with that though.
He’s completely unnecessary. To bring in Realmuto, the Twins would have to spend close to $30 million dollars on a player that they don’t really need. That doesn’t make a lot of sense, and despite a need, he won’t be playing his home games at Target Field anytime soon. Chance: 5%
D.J. LeMahieu: Noticing a trend here? LeMahieu is the other megastar available on the free agent market. An incredible skill for hitting and a stellar ability to field, LeMahieu has the ability to play first, second, and third base. This allows for him to constantly be on the field.
Both excellent bats to have in the lineup, LeMahieu and Realmuto have something else in common: being a luxury for the Twins. Both players are not necessities, and with LeMahieu’s high price tag, he’s not headed to Minnesota unless something drastically changes. Chances: 7%