Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Top 25 Free Agent Starters Available

Minnesota Twins Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers: No. 5-No. 1

• No. 5: Nathan Eovaldi
• No. 4: Chris Bassitt
• No. 3: Carlos Rodon
• No. 2: Justin Verlander
• No. 1: Jacob deGrom

Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Bassitt are two of the best options on the market. Both have very good stuff and pitched very well 2022, and while neither would take the title of ace from Sonny Gray, both would serve as clear No. 2 options and pitch really well in Minnesota. Outside of them? Three bona fide aces.

Carlos Rodon was a player the Twins desperately wanted ahead of 2022, but he opted for sunny San Francisco with a little more cash on what amounted to a one year prove it deal. After a truly dominant season where he finished sixth in Cy Young voting, he’ll get a mega deal that the Twins might not be able to match.

Long a tormenter of Twins territory, Justin Verlander proved that even at 39, he’s still a dominant starter, winning his third Cy Young, finishing tenth in MVP voting, and helping the Astros win another title. If the Twins were to offer a monstrous two year deal, there might be a chance for Verlander to spend his twilight years in the Twin Cities.

The clear top pitcher on the market is Jacob deGrom. deGrom has been dinged up a lot over the past two years, but that hasn’t stopped him from posting what amounts to some of the best numbers in the MLB. Regardless of length, deGrom’s deal will end up being in a major city (deGrom’s preference) with one of the highest annual values ever, so I don’t see him landing here.

If the Minnesota Twins can find a way to land one of these Top 5 starters (or maybe another with ace upside. like Clevinger), they have to do it and solidify the rotation. Otherwise, spend big on the bullpen and lineup, trust the depth you have now, and don’t waste a roster spot on an arm that won’t elevate the team.