The collapse is complete; the Minnesota Twins missed the playoffs in 2024 and it’s time to move on to the offseason. While there's inherently hope at the end of the season, this winter admittedly might be less enjoyable for Twins fans than how the season ended.
Last offseason, the Twins front office was instructed to cut payroll by roughly $30 million, which is largely to blame for the team's terrible stretch at the end of this season. Ownership has claimed the payroll won't be further reduced this offseason, but we'll believe it when we see it.
Even then, the budget isn't likely to grow much which means the front office will need to get creative in how it adds to the roster.
Despite the budget constraints last year, the Twins found a gem in Carlos Santana, who revitalized his career in Minnesota. Bargain shopping is more than likely where the Twins will be searching again. It’s certainly not exciting but can be effective if done right.
5 bargain free agents that could fit into the Twins' budget for 2025
Brent Suter, P
One of the biggest reasons for the Twins awful slump at the end of the season was the bullpen. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli didn’t have many options he could trust, especially left-handed relievers.
Often having to turn to Caleb Thielbar as the only left-hander in the bullpen, a pitcher Twins fans had little faith in this year and will most likely not return in 2025.
Brent Suter is the first name the Twins should look at to replace him.
Suter currently has a club option of $3.5 million, and if the Cincinnati Reds opt for a cost-cutting move,Suter would be a nice pickup around that price. In 2024, the 34-year-old had a 3.15 ERA, a 1.142 WHIP, and a positive WAR of 1.1.
Suter isn't flashy but reliable which is something Baldelli would welcome with open arms next season.
Joe Kelly, P
The bullpen was so bad at the end of the season that the Twins should almost be required to make multiple moves in the offseason. Minnesota could use some passionate players on their roster, specifically in the bullpen, when games are tense.
Joe Kelly would bring exactly that to Minnesota.
Our boy Joe Kelly is reportedly going to the Dodgers on a 3-year deal. Thanks for the memories bro 🍾 pic.twitter.com/DObcanJHda
— Section 10 Podcast (@Section10Pod) December 13, 2018
At 37 years old, Kelly is coming off a subpar season with a 4.78 ERA and 1.469 WHIP, but for a one-year deal, Kelly could bring much-needed energy to Target Field.
Walker Buehler, P
After Joe Ryan's injury, the rotation was entrusted to the organization's young prospects, who showed that there is a tough learning curve in the majors.
It seems crazy, but the Twins should kick the tires on Walker Buehler if he becomes available.
The 30-year-old was once one of the best young arms in MLB, but he missed the entire 2023 season. When he returned in 2024, he didn't look great, with a 1-6 record and a 5.38 ERA. It was once looking like he could be the future star of the Dodgers' rotation, but he'll hit unrestricted free agency this winter coming off an injury and one of the worst stretches of his career.
Few teams love a lottery ticket like the Twins, and Buehler has the makings to be a Sonny Gray type of bounce-back player. The only questions are can he stay healthy and will another team -- one with higher World Series upside -- swoop in with the same idea?
However, if the Twins can get him on a short-term deal for relatively cheap, it would be worth the risk to see if they can get him back to his Cy Young-contending form.
Joey Wendle, 2B
Second base was one of the most disappointing Twins positions this year. Edouard Julien didn’t continue to develop as fans thought, and Kyle Farmer was unplayable for half the season.
Joey Wendle spent most of 2024 injured with the New York Mets, only appearing in 18 games. However, defensive reliability was one of the Twins most significant issues in 2024.
Wendle is a great defensive infielder. In 2023 with the Miami Marlins, he had a defensive WAR of positive 1.1, which would lead the 2024 Twins roster by a large margin.
In addition, Wendle has shown he is capable of being a positive offensive player in 2021 and 2022.
Wendle signed a one-year $2 million deal in 2024, and his contract will likely remain the same in 2025 or lower. If he can get back to that ability, he would be a great addition to the Twins next season.
Harrison Bader, OF
Two years ago, the Twins had a perfect defensive backup to Byron Buxton in Michael A. Taylor. They tried replacing him with Manuel Margot, which spectacularly failed.
Margot is unlikely to return in 2024 but the Twins could find that replacement in Harrison Bader.
In 2024, Bader struggled at the plate, batting only .236, but he chipped in with 12 home runs and 17 stolen bases. He was also a better defender than Margot and is a former Gold Glove winner. Bader could help add to three important areas for the Twins, some power, some speed, and good defense.
Currently, on a one-year deal in New York, his value likely stayed the same, and he would be a fantastic signing for the Twins.
The Pohlads will likely only allow shopping in the bargain-basement again, and if that’s the case, they should seriously consider players hoping to prove they can still play, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle like they with Carlos Santana.
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