How concerned should Twins fans be about the early lack of offseason movement?
As the Twins have remained quiet in the early offseason should Twins fans be concerned?
The Minnesota Twins turned themselves into a nice playoff team in 2023, something fans expected the team to build on this winter. The hot stove has been uncomfortably cold so far, though, with the Twins making slight movements rather than taking any meaningfully big swings.
Other than signing a minor league contract for depth on former Twin Niko Goodrum, and a low-leverage contract with Josh Staumont, there's been nothing but rumors. Should Twins fans be concerned, surprised or trust the team to stay the course?
As Twins fans we'd like to see the front office go on a spending spree like the Los Angeles Dodgers have recently done. Realistically we also know that's just not the way the Twins can operate. It is a bit annoying, but this is the world we live in as Twins fans.
It is also not surprising as the Twins front office has openly given up they're looking to control payroll. As a mid-market team without a current TV contract locked in it almost leaves the Twins very little choice but to control spending. The big money is spent early in free agency which just doesn't bode well for the Twins making early signing blockbusters.
Twins fans shouldn't panic about the early lack of hot stove movement
With all this in mind, I believe we have to stay the course as the winter proceeds and there are a few things to keep in mind. The Twins can stand pat as is and likely be competitive in the AL Central with the current roster of young talent. Yes, another starting pitcher would be nice but if that's the target a Jorge Polanco or Max Kepler trade is likely the best path -- not free agency. Polanco brings a lot of value in a thinner infield market and the Twins would like to exchange his salary as part of the deal.
The free agent market will have to wait. The Twins will likely sift through the remaining free agents after high priced names such as Blake Snell get signed. At that point maybe they can strike a deal with a Mike Clevinger type in a price range the Twins can accept. Same goes in the field, will the Twins roll with there young crew of Matt Wallner and Edouard Julien or look to add more depth?
Minnesota fans are going to have to be patient and stay the course as we enter into January. The Twins will likely be active late as the season approaches looking to deal in there price range. As much as we'd like to see a Blake Snell, it's just not financially feasible
It's not exactly fun to sit on the sidelines while other teams make splashy moves, but the Twins have historially nailed it when they take a wait-and-see approach. Lest we forget trades for Kenta Maeda, Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, and the signing of Carlos Correa all happened after the calendar turned over to a new year. As the song goes, waiting is the hardest part, but Twins fans should have faith that things will work out.
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