Yankees trading for Juan Soto could benefit Twins this offseason

We’re pretty deep into the offseason at this point, but the Minnesota Twins have yet to make any moves. The only things that have happened so far are players leaving, like Sonny Gray and Kenta Meada exiting stage left for fat free agent deals.

There are moves the Twins are expected to make, but the team historically waits out the market before doing anything. Big trades for guys like Maeda, Gray, and Pablo Lopez didn’t happen until after the New Year, and the same goes for the big $200 million deal handed to Carlos Correa.

Minnesota waiting out the market might be a little frustrating for fans who want to see the team add to a roster that feels primed for a World Series run in 2024, but it’s already proving beneficial. While the Twins sit on their hands and flip couch cushions looking for spare payroll change, other teams have started make moves that are moving the market in a helpful direction.

How Twins might benefit from Yankees trading for Juan Soto

It seems the Twins and Yankees have crossed over a few different times this offseason without actually doing business with each other. New York plummeted down the MLB Draft order in the lottery, which moved the Twins up a few spots, and two blockbuster deals the Yankees made during the Winter Meetings could have a direct impact on Minnesota’s plans this offseason.

The Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, and plan on keeping them both in the outfield. There’s also been increased conversation about Aaron Judge playing in center next season, which not only gives New York a glut of outfielders but might take them out of the market for a centerfielder in free agency.

It’s something Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale touched on in a recent column, highlighting a few names that could have one less top suitor with the Yankees off the board.

“Kevin Kiermaier, Harrison Bader and Michael A. Taylor — who played for the Twins last season — highlight the second tier of free agent center fielders, behind Cody Bellinger,” Nightengale wrote.

Outside of replenishing the starting rotation, figuring out the plan in centerfield is by far the biggest thing on the Twins To-Do list.

Byron Buxton being healthy enough to play a full season would be helpful, but it’s not something anyone can bank on at this point. Austin Martin is expected to get elevated to the Majors this year and could be an option, as well as utility guys like Willi Castro and Nick Gordon.

Looking at the free agent market is likely going to be the way Minnesota finds some assistance, but they aren’t the only team looking for help. Taking the Yankees out of the picture helps, though, and further proves that the Twins waiting out the market often works out in their favor.

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