As players and coaches report to Spring Training this week across all of Major League Baseball, the Minnesota Twins look to be nearly complete as far as their roster goes. Will the Spring Training invitees be enough for the 2021 season?
Two days ago, the Minnesota Twins made what may as well be their final transaction of the 2020-21 offseason by signing starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker to a one-year, $2 million deal. With that team friendly signing conducted, it looks as if the Minnesota Twins are set for 2021 Spring Training.
Is that really going to be enough for the Minnesota Twins to compete in 2021?
Including Shoemaker’s signing, the Minnesota Twins have signed a total of six free agents this offseason, which includes the re-signing of designated hitter Nelson Cruz. The Twins have also made a number of smaller moves claiming players off waivers and adding small-time players on Minor League deals.
The team has a full roster, but a look at the Minnesota Twins depth chart feels as if the team is a bit incomplete. An argument can be made for adding at least one more reliever into the bullpen as no MLB team can ever have enough relievers in today’s game. Adding another solid (and more reliable) starter would also help.
That doesn’t even factor in the uncertainty of not knowing who will be the Twins’ Opening Day left fielder will be. This isn’t quite perfect, and it leaves room for argument against the Twins being set as contenders for Opening Day 2021.
At this point in time, I don’t think the team will land another All-Star caliber player to their team until July (around the trade deadline) at the earliest. Brent Rooker, Alex Kirilloff, and Luis Arraez are all solid options for the hole in left, and I think there’s still a good chance one last reliever can be added before Opening Day (maybe a reunion with veteran Tyler Clippard?).
All things considered, the Minnesota Twins are pretty set with their current roster for the 2021, though I’m sure there are a few surprises in the wings that will fill spots that open up. The depth among position players is among the best the Twins have seen in over a decade, and the starting rotation depth is the best since the Johan Santana era. I think they’ll be alright.