The Minnesota Twins plan to increase payroll for the 2027 season, so they should be active on the free-agent market. While top free agents like Tarik Skubal and Randy Arozarena are likely long shots for Minnesota, there are many attractive, realistic targets on the market.
I went ahead and ranked the Twins' top 4 realistic free-agent position player targets based on the value they would bring the team.
Ranking Twins' top 4 realistic free agent position player targets
1. C Ryan Jeffers
Jeffers is easily the best catcher on the free-agent market. Having played his entire career with the Twins, Jeffers might be interested in returning to Minnesota for the right price. He could also accept his $23.15 qualifying offer, but he will most likely decline it to test free agency.
Jeffers' contract predictions are all over the place. The Athletic's Jim Bowden predicts he will sign a two-year, $15.5 million deal, while MLB Trade Rumors projects he will sign a four-year, $75 million contract.
If Jeffers declines the QO, Minnesota will likely want him back if he's willing to sign for just two years. But if it's for three or four years, the Twins brass might be hesitant to bring him back for that long since top catching prospect Vahn Lackey should be ready for his big-league debut within the next couple of years.
2. 1B Ty France
While France's first stint with the Twins didn't go amazingly, he stepped up his game with the San Diego Padres this year. After signing a minor-league deal with San Diego last offseason, France became one of the Padres' best hitters, posting 3.6 fWAR and a .295/.363/.502 slash line with 21 home runs and 72 RBI over 133 games. Not to mention, he is an elite defensive first baseman. Since France is in his 30s and struggled in 2024 and 2025, he might have to settle for a one-year deal, which would be a perfect situation for the Twins. Most likely, France will sign a two-year contract, which the Twins should still consider doing if that's what his market demands.
Royce Lewis could be on his way out of Minnesota after two below-average seasons at the plate. Even if he's not, the Twins could use someone who can play first base and occasionally DH.
Jake Bauers is another possible first-base target for Minnesota, but since he surprisingly received a QO from the Milwaukee Brewers, the Twins might be hesitant to sign him because they would lose a draft pick.
3. C Carson Kelly
If Jeffers signs with a team other than the Twins, Minnesota could pivot to Carson Kelly, arguably the second-best catcher on the free-agent market. Kelly spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Cubs, slashing .254/.335/.402 with 4.3 fWAR. Based on his age (32), a two-year deal in the $15-22 million range seems reasonable for the backstop.
4. C Tyler Stephenson
Stephenson posted 2.6 fWAR over the past two seasons with the Reds. He is roughly the same age as Jeffers and will likely sign a two-year deal for slightly less money than Kelly. He wouldn't be as exciting an addition as Kelly, but he would be a solid option to pair with Victor Caratini next year and then hopefully Lackey in 2028.
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