Minnesota Twins fans deserve better than this. In 2023, they watched their team break an 18-game postseason losing streak that was the longest in the history of major professional sports. In 2024, they watched payroll get slashed by $30 million, a double-digit lead in the American League Wild Card race disappear and an October from the couch.
It’s not a surprise that Twins fans would find coal in their stockings again as this offseason has been more about dumping salary than upgrading the roster. But it is the Christmas season and one can dream.
So what are Twins wishing for this Christmas? And what could realistically come down the chimney as they look to rebound in 2025?
1. A veteran starting pitcher
The Twins saw their starting rotation’s ERA go from second (3.82) in 2023 to 22nd (4.36) in 2024 and it was one of the areas that suffered with the payroll slashing. Pablo López, Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan were a formidable trio at the top of the rotation but the bottom half was filled with young prospects such as Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa and Zebby Matthews and disappointing veterans such as Chris Paddack, Louie Varland and Anthony DiScalfani.
The Twins don’t need an ace – unless they decide to trade López – but they could use a solid starter on the back end of the rotation. While the payroll restrictions limit their options, a trade for a controllable arm may be better than diving into the bargain bin and would give the Twins the kind of depth they had in 2023.
2. A reliable first baseman
The Twins had this in 2024 as Carlos Santana won his first career Gold Glove Award but his one-year, $12 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians justified their decision to move on.
Regardless, first base continues to be a major question heading into next season. The Twins could tap into the trade market to acquire someone but outside of Jake Cronenworth, who is set to make $11.2 million next season, there aren’t any obvious targets.
In the end, it may come down to Jose Miranda or Edouard Julien standing underneath the tree. But it’s far from the reliable solution the Twins need at first base.
3. A left-handed reliever
As of Christmas morning, Kody Funderburk and Brent Headrick are the lone left-handed relievers on the Twins 40-man roster. According to FanGraphs’ depth chart, the next closest left-hander to the majors is Gabriel Yanez, who is projected to begin the year with Double-A Wichita.
Like many positions, free agency has made it difficult to acquire talent. Tanner Scott is the top left-hander available but will command a contract worth $12 million per season according to FanGraphs. Jalen Beeks, Danny Coulombe and Tim Hill are in the next tier but each of them could cost around $3-to-$5 million based on the way the market has played out.
This may be another area where the Twins need to acquire someone via trade. But after left-handers in the bullpen ranked 27th with -0.4 wins above replacement, a move needs to be made.
4. A new owner
This may be a Twins’ fans version of the Red Ryder BB gun. Every wish on this list is a reasonable request but just like Ralphie Parker was told “You’ll shoot your eye out,” Twins fans have been told “Yeah, but payroll.”
Twins fans have been dragged through the Pohlad regime, watching the team put up for contraction in 2002 and right-sizing their business in 2024. Christmas came early when the Pohlad family announced their intention to sell the team in October but a new owner will feel like scoring a Nintendo 64. (Google it if you’re under the age of 30.)
Whether it’s Justin Ishbia or someone else, all Twins want is an owner to put money into the team. But for now, being a Twins fan feels like working under Ebenezer Scrooge.