Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Top 8 Free Agent First Basemen Available
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins Top Free Agent First Basemen: 8-7
- No. 8: Jesus Aguilar (R)
- No. 7: Carlos Santana (S)
The free agent first baseman class ahead of 2023 is extremely thin, with guys like Mike Ford, Ronald Guzman, and Greg Bird falling inside of the Top 15 first basemen available. With guys like that on the list and Miguel Sano serving as the ninth-best player available, this list will only include the Top 8, as those are the only ones that should be considered.
Jesus Aguilar is in a similar boat to Sano. Both players are coming off the worst seasons of their career offensively, posting a .661 OPS, his lowest since 2016 when he played in just nine games. Despite this, the former All-Star would likely come cheap (possibly even on an MiLB deal) and offer some depth and veteran leadership to a thin position.
Carlos Santana is in a similar position. The switch-hitting first baseman has posted an OPS of .678 OPS over the past three years, but he still does a stellar job of getting on base and playing reliable defense. Just like Aguilar, he’d be a cheap, reliable veteran to offer that all-too important depth.
If the Twins sign either of these two guys (or somehow reunite with Miguel Sano), it will be a similar move to signing Dylan Bundy in 2021. Adding veteran depth, but moves that won’t move the needle and will eat up a roster spot.