The Athletic's Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager, recently wrote a list of the 2026-27 offseason's top 40 free agents with contract predictions and best team fits for each. The Twins were listed as a best fit for three different players: long-time Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers, first/third baseman Alec Bohm and shortstop/third baseman J.P. Crawford.
Since I've already covered Bowden's evaluation of Jeffers and written about Bohm as a fit for the Twins, this article focuses on Crawford.
The Mariners moved Crawford to third base to make room for top prospect Colt Emerson during the 2026 season. Before that, Crawford had been Seattle's primary shortstop since 2019. He is the Mariners' all-time leader in games played at shortstop.
The Twins appear set at third base with Brooks Lee and at shortstop with Kaelen Culpepper entering the 2027 season, so it may seem a bit puzzling that Bowden listed the Twins as a fit for Crawford. However, if he can play shortstop and third base, Crawford should be able to play second base. He logged 32 1/3 innings at second base in 2017.
Right now, Kody Clemens appears to be the Twins' starting second baseman in 2027, but they could use him around the diamond to let players rest if they sign Crawford. Additionally, Minnesota might move on from Royce Lewis after three below-average seasons, making an even clearer path for Crawford to join the Twins.
Crawford is coming off a down year, posting just 1.2 fWAR and a 105 wRC+ over 116 games. The prior season, he posted 2.8 fWAR and a 113 wRC+ in 154 games.
Twins should try to sign J.P. Crawford to a one-year deal
Because Crawford is coming off a less-than-ideal season, the Twins might be able to get him for a bargain this offseason. Bowden projects that Crawford will receive a two-year, $20 million deal, but it's possible he would settle for a one-year contract, hoping he can make more money in the 2027-28 offseason.
Since making his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017, Crawford has posted 19.1 fWAR and a .245/.240/.367 (106 wRC+) slash line. He has a career strikeout rate of 18.8% and a walk rate of 11.5%.
Crawford used to be a strong defensive shortstop, but his metrics worsened significantly over the past two seasons. This year, he posted -12 Defensive Runs Saved and -13 Outs Above Average in 720 innings at shortstop. After moving to third base, he posted 0 DRS and 0 OAA in 254 1/3 innings.
Personally, I wouldn't sign Crawford to the two-year, $20 million deal Bowden thinks he will get. But if the Twins can get him for just one year, they should sign him.
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