The Minnesota Twins haven’t had much action this offseason but they may have narrowed down their needs, hinting at a potential return for Carlos Santana and a right-handed bat in the outfield.
The report comes from the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale who notes that a first baseman and an outfielder are at the top of the team’s list as they look to add players for the 2025 season. While there are several options at first base, Nightingale mentioned that the team was open to re-signing Santana, who made a positive impression in his first season with the Twins.
The Minnesota Twins would benefit from Carlos Santana’s return
Santana signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Twins last winter and had a strong year at the age of 38. Santana hit .238/.320/.420 with 23 home runs and 71 RBI for Minnesota last year but his biggest impact was in the field as he won his first career Gold Glove Award at first base.
With Santana’s presence in the clubhouse also a benefit, he could be the Twins top option even if he commands a raise from last season. The Twins lost Alex Kirilloff to retirement and the top options in the organization include Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien, who both spent the majority of last season at third base and second base respectively.
But the Twins may have competition even as Santana enters his age-39 season. Santana was third among free-agent first basemen with three wins above replacement, tying Arizona’s Christian Walker (3.0) and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets (2.1 WAR) and the Seattle Mariners have already expressed interest as Fangraphs projects his 2025 salary at $7 million.
The Minnesota Twins need a right-handed outfielder
While first base is one of the biggest questions entering next season, the Twins also need to find a right-handed bat for the outfield. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach are currently projected to fill the corner outfield spots after Max Kepler’s departure and reserve outfielder (and right-handed bat) Manuel Margot became a free agent after his contract option was declined in October.
Nightingale suggested that Austin Hays could be a target for the Twins after he spent time with new hitting coach Matt Borgschulte as a member of the Baltimore Orioles but the 29-year-old was a below-average player last season, hitting .255/303/.396 with five homers and 20 RBI in 85 total games with Baltimore and the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Twins could also be limited in their search for a bat as they continue to try to navigate their payroll situation. At $142 million, the Twins will need to clear $12 million to reach last year’s $130 million payroll figure and it may take a salary dump trade to make room to add a platoon bat next season.
Overall, the Twins are playing the waiting game with any free-agent acquisition and they may need to make a move soon to risk losing out on a player who can help them in 2025.