While the Winter Meetings didn’t bring the sort of action we’re used to seeing, things don’t feel like they’ll remain dormant for long.
Shohei Ohtani seems to be nearing a decision on where he’ll sign, the starting pitching market is simmering to a boil, and the Minnesota Twins might finally start getting to work on their offseason plans.
Last season starting pitching was a strength for Minnesota, but already the rotation has two sizable holes that must be filled. Sonny Gray signed a three-year, $75 million deal with St. Louis while Kenta Maeda left for a two-year, $24 million deal in Detroit. Pitching was something the Twins knew would need to be addressed, but those losses further emphasize how important it is they’re properly replaced.
That’s where the trade market comes into play. Minnesota reduced its payroll thanks to TV revenue challenges, which means guys like Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler are currency that can be used to make roster improvements.
So far there hasn’t been much going on outside of a few massive trades by the Yankees, but it feels like things will pick up after Ohtani signs and the market truly opens. When that happens, the Twins might be well-positioned to move quickly.
Twins Rumors: Jorge Polanco trade interest has ‘increased’
MLB insider Jon Morosi reported on Friday that the Twins are starting to hear ‘increased’ trade interest Jorge Polanco. It’s hard to tell exactly what that means, but it all sounds like positive momentum.
Non-Shohei Hot Stove update: Twins have received increased trade interest in infielder Jorge Polanco over the past week. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 8, 2023
Of the Twins top two trade chips, Polanco always felt like the clear No. 1 in value. Unlike Kepler he has another year of club control on his contract, and has been far more consistent on offense. The free agent market for bats isn’t that great, which further increases Polanco’s value, and the logjam of plaers the Twins can replace him with seems to suggest it’s only a matter of time before he’s traded.
Based on what Morosi passed along, that time could come soon.
It’s worth pointing out that the Twins are rarely at the front of the line when it comes to making trades. They’ve acquired front-line starters three times since 2020 but all of those deals happening after the New Year; Kenta Maeda in January 2020, Sonny Gray in March 2021, and Pablo Lopez in January 2023.
The expecation is that depth provided by Polanco and Kepler will be used to acquire another front-line starter, but going off trends it’s unlikely a deal happens before the end of the year. That’s not to say it won’t happen, though, and the ‘increased’ interest in Polanco is certainly something to keep an eye on.