The Twins could be a playoff team next year. They have two aces in Joe Ryan and Pablo López, a star in Byron Buxton, and young hitters with the potential to do big things in Luke Keaschall, Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner and more. However, a lot still has to go right for Minnesota to make the postseason, making it an unlikely scenario.
Still, the Twins are a talented team that should do their best to return to the playoffs, even if they have to operate on a limited budget. The Athletic's Dan Hayes reported that Minnesota has about $20 million to spend on offseason additions. Thus far, president Derek Falvey has just signed Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million deal, leaving the team with about $13 million left to spend. Given the team's depleted bullpen, spending the remaining $13 million on relievers is likely in the Twins' best interest.
Therefore, Bell is likely Minnesota's lone addition on offense this offseason. The Twins might sign a right-handed-hitting outfielder, given their abundance of left-handed-hitting outfielders. But otherwise, it's safe to assume Minnesota will use the rest of the budget on bullpen arms.
Still, the Twins can boost their offense without signing or trading for any more hitters.
Twins' No. 1 prospect Walker Jenkins must be on Opening Day roster if Minnesota wants to make playoffs
Jenkins, an outfielder who hits from the left side, ranks as the Twins' No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 10 prospect. He will be just 21 years old next season, but he should be ready for the big leagues.
If it hadn't been for injuries, Jenkins, whom the Twins selected out of high school in the first round (5th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft, may have made his MLB debut by now. The Twins' top prospect played two games for the Wind Surge this season before landing on the injured list with a sprained left ankle, which kept him sidelined until he began a rehab assignment on June 3. Additionally, Jenkins missed over a month last season due to a left hamstring strain.
Jenkins slashed .309/.426/.487 (156 wRC+) with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita this season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. He struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 plate appearances, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching. If he has a strong spring training, he should be Minnesota's Opening Day starting left fielder.