The Minnesota Twins are expected to add some players via free agency this offseason, as controlling owner Tom Pohlad made it clear he plans to increase payroll. Two free agents who would address the Twins' needs are right-handed reliever David Bednar and first baseman Jake Bauers. Unfortunately, both stars received a $23.15 million qualifying offer, meaning the Twins would have to surrender draft compensation to sign them.
Bednar will be one of the best relievers on the market, while Bauers will be one of the top free agent first basemen if he declines the Milwaukee Brewers' QO. The Twins could still target the two stars, but if general manager Jeremy Zoll doesn't beleive it's worth giving up draft compensation to sign them, there are free agent alternatives Minnesota should pursue.
Twins could bring back Ty France instead of signing Jake Bauers
Ty France is on the free-agent market after a career-revival year with the San Diego Padres; he posted 3.6 fWAR and a .295/.363/.502 (141 wRC+) slash line with 21 home runs and 72 RBI over 133 games for the Padres in 2026. Last year, France posted 0.9 fWAR and a .257/.320/.360 (92 wRC+) slash line with seven home runs and 52 RBI over 138 games between the Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays.
France also played spectacular defense at first base this year, recording +8 Outs Above Average and +15 Defensive Runs Saved in 1,030 1/3 innings. France was a below-average defender in 2023 and 2024, and then had an outstanding defensive season in 2025, earning him his first career Gold Glove Award. He continued playing outstanding defense this year while turning things around at the plate, making him one of San Diego's most valuable players.
MLB Trade Rumors projects France will sign a two-year, $32 million contract. I'd be a bit hesitant to commit that much money to France for two years. Meanwhile, ESPN projects he will sign a one-year, $13 million deal. If ESPN's projection proves accurate, Minnesota should bring the first baseman back.
Twins could target Raisel Iglesias instead of David Bednar
Even if Bednar hadn't received a QO from the New York Yankees, he might be too expensive for the Twins. ESPN predicts the reliever will sign a three-year, $60 million contract. That's a hefty price to pay for a reliever, no matter how good he is. The Twins should certainly consider signing him, but Raisel Iglesias is a more realistic target, especially since Bednar received a QO.
ESPN predicts Iglesias will sign a one-year, $14 million contract. It's a high price to pay for a reliever, but for just one year, the risk is low. Iglesias will be 37 in January, so his age is another factor to consider.
Despite his age, Iglesias put together an outstanding season for the Atlanta Braves in 2026, making his first career All-Star Team and posting a 2.55 ERA with 34 saves and 64 strikeouts over 60 innings.
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