I expect the Twins to do more trading then signing this offseason.  Though I can see some dumpster diving for relievers, a run at Escobar, after that it depends on what the Twins aquire with their stable of prospect they now have.

I agree that this is a likely path, and the path of least risk with respect to long-term planning. I'd be surprised if the club made a serious attempt at top free agents this year. And it doesn't seem like they are close enough to contention to commit their top prospects in a trade for a front line starting pitcher (if there are any to be had). I wonder if they even will commit the prospects to get a #3-caliber starter.

You haven't listed any youngsters on that roster. I also agree that the club will choose not to rush (i.e. start the service clock) on prospects if they can help it. The exception I think, may be Rooker. But I'd be very surprised to see him before June.

One of your bench positions that I'm not sure about is Astudillo. I know they've played him around the diamond a bit...but does he really provide enough value as an infielder to make it worth carrying a third catcher vs. a thirteenth pitcher? Another that I'm not so sure about is Grossman. I see that you question whether he will be offered a contract. I will be interested to which way they go with him. Was he a front office favorite, or a manager favorite?

It will also be interesting and informative to see how the club pursues free agent infielders. I wouldn't mind seeing a left side of Eduardo Escobar and Jose Iglesias, with Polanco shifting to 2B, and Sano moving to be the primary DH and spot 1B. I think that would tighten up our fielding considerably, and tide us over until the arrival of Lewis. (And Gordon?)

Middle infielder free agents who are at the "Top of the pile" (not including Machado):

Ian Kinsler - Age 36

Eduardo Nunez -  31

Jose Iglesias -  28

Marwin Gonzales - 29

Alceides Escobar - 31

Eduardo Escobar - 29

DJ LeMaheiu - 31

Brian Dozier - 31

Asdrubal Cabrera - 32

Josh Harrison - (if club declines option) - 31

Freddy Galvis - 28

Anything look appealing to you guys? I like Harrison, Eddie Escobar, and Jose Iglesias. Not sure if I'm in love with any of these players, though.

Some tough decisions. The Twins will explore the trade market to trade depth in lower level pitching if they find someone who they can control for 3-4 years at a decent rate.

I see some free agent grabs, but more along the line of guys who are better than minors but can't find a place in the majors (say Trevor Plouffe-like).

The big decision is, really, do they go after Escobar and where do they plan to put Sano...not just in 2019, but beyond. Or do they look to write off Sano and Buxton and wait for the next...wave.

They really don't have demands beyond Gordon and Reed and maybe Anderson for the 40-man. They can dangle Wade, if they wish. Take a chance on losing Jay.

I see them coming in around $75 million. They have $35 million on the books (all of which would be gone after next season). And assuming the other 35 players on the roster average a meek $1 million a head...well, you are there.

But, yes, they do have $50-60 million they could spend on free agents. Will they? I suppose we can be surprised.

Some tough decisions. The Twins will explore the trade market to trade depth in lower level pitching if they find someone who they can control for 3-4 years at a decent rate.

 

I see some free agent grabs, but more along the line of guys who are better than minors but can't find a place in the majors (say Trevor Plouffe-like).

 

The big decision is, really, do they go after Escobar and where do they plan to put Sano...not just in 2019, but beyond. Or do they look to write off Sano and Buxton and wait for the next...wave.

 

They really don't have demands beyond Gordon and Reed and maybe Anderson for the 40-man. They can dangle Wade, if they wish. Take a chance on losing Jay.

 

I see them coming in around $75 million. They have $35 million on the books (all of which would be gone after next season). And assuming the other 35 players on the roster average a meek $1 million a head...well, you are there.

 

But, yes, they do have $50-60 million they could spend on free agents. Will they? I suppose we can be surprised.

I am hoping the Twins extend Rosario and Berrios adding between 15 - 20 million to the payroll next year.  Plus adding some top line relief arms to the picture.  That is where the $90 - $100 million payroll is coming from.  Do not expect the fill in middle infielder (unless Escobar) will be that expensive.