Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Top 10 Free Agent Shortstops Available

Minnesota Twins Top Free Agent Shortstops: 4-1

• No. 4: Dansby Swanson
• No. 3: Xander Bogaerts
• No. 2: Trea Turner
• No. 1: Carlos Correa (R)

The last four shortstops on this list are mostly superstars (with Swanson only being a star), four guys who each have the ability to help key a World Series run with the right pieces around them. These are the players that, if added, would allow Royce Lewis to become a Ben Zobrist-like utility player and make the Twins a much deeper team.

Dansby Swanson, a former No. 1 overall pick had an excellent 2022, earning his first Gold Glove and a trip to the All-Star game while slashing .277/.329/.447. He might not post the same offensive numbers as the others on this list, but he’s very well-rounded, has missed just two games over the past three years, and has a World Series ring.

If he can’t be convinced to leave Atlanta, there are other options. Xander Bogaerts is a four-time All-Star and a five-time Silver Slugger winner with plenty of playoff experience. Several sites have suggested that the Twins might be able to land the former Boston Red Sox player, but he will command a massive deal after posting an OPS+ north of 125 for the fifth consecutive season.

Of this group, the least-likely to sign with the Minnesota Twins is Trea Turner. The extremely versatile Turner would be a near-perfect fit in Minnesota and would be able to help backup Byron Buxton once Royce Lewis returns while also providing his typical elite offense and speed.

Unfortunately, a return to Los Angeles seems most likely for Turner, which leaves Carlos Correa. Correa was a star for the Twins last year, posting a 140 OPS+ last season with very strong defense. Players and coaches gushed about his leadership and it makes perfect sense as to why the team wants him back.

Unfortunately, with his ability and Scott Boras as his agent, the Minnesota Twins would need a big return discount or a small miracle to keep Correa, as the team just doesn’t have the funds to compete with the San Francisco Giants. Even if they can’t re-sign Correa, the team has the ability land on of these big four, and Minnesotans should be disappointed if they don’t.