Minnesota Twins Talk

Much has been made of Max Kepler's future, or lack thereof, with the Twins. Kepler's offensive struggles the last 3 seasons are well documented. As 2023 is the season of decision regarding Kepler's contract (Twins can buyout at end of season, or extend him into 2024 for 10M), questions have been raised about whether or not Kepler should be traded. The problem for the Twins is that they would be selling low on Kepler. He is 3 years removed from his career year, and since then, has performed badly at the plate. In Los Angeles, Cody Bellinger's career has taken an similar course to Kepler's. Since the outlier season of 2019, in which both players had career seasons…

To start - I want to say this is what I would predict they will do, not what I would want them to do. At the end, I feel they made these main moves. 1 - Traded Kepler for a prospect who will be in the minors 2 - Signed a relief pitcher who is a vet (CJ Edwards, who I know nothing about other than is a righty at a minimum salary). 3 - By putting Gordon as our every day SS to start the year until Lewis is healthy, needed a new utility player. Went with Odor who is a lefty infielder. 4- Keep Gio for one more year at the hot corner. 5- resigned Leon to be the back-up because he is good with pitchers, and a switch hitter. Not high hopes for Jeff…

C: Narvaez ($6.5M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Correa ($35.00M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Larnach ($0.70M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) Backup C: Jeffers ($0.71M) …

Just a hair under budget. I did adjust arb figures to match mlbtraderumors. A vet RP was a must and if not Robertson then a reunion with Rogers perhaps? Would cost a little more but wouldn't be budget breaking. I very much considered Edwin Diaz here but I don't think the Twins would go big here. Jansen and Biggio picked up in a trade with TOR, with Jansen getting around a 50/50 split with Jeffers and some DH AB's on rest days for others moving Miranda into the field. TOR definitely could look to move him with Kirk and Moreno both ready. ? Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.20M) …

I start by signing Rodon. Maeda is either moved to the BP or traded. Sign Andrus to a 1 year deal he can’t refuse. (Whatever that is) Trade Kepler and/or Urshela if the return is good. This plan assumes Kepler is traded and Hannigar added. Fulmer or Rogers signed for the BP. I used $7M but I really don't know what Rogers gets after an up and down 2022. 2023 140,000,000 Starters SALARY OPT 1 Carlos Rodon 25,000,000 2 Sonny Gray 12,000,000 3 Tyler Mahle 8,500,000 4 Joe Ryan 700,000 5 Bailey Ober 700,000 Depth: Varland / SWR / Paddack / Dobnak …

Trying to be realistic here. Either the Twins should bring back Carlos Correa or sign a high-profile starting pitcher. Although they have been historically reluctant to spend on pitchers, they have in the last three years made two signings no one saw coming--Donaldson and Correa--and I propose they take the next step and sign an ace-level arm (Carlos Rodon) for five years at $25M per year. In my mind, Omar Narvaez and Ryan Jeffers share the catching position 50-50 and while Luis Arraez is listed as utility, he's an everyday player somewhere, particularly against right handed pitching. I choose Elvis Andrus as the bridge shortstop with Royce Lewis and perhaps Brooks …

C: Danny Jansen ($4.00M) 1B: Alex Kiriloff ($0.70M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) SS: Kiner-Falefa ($6.50M) LF: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Trevor Larnach ($0.70M) DH: Nelson Cruz ($7.00M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) Utility: Luiz Arraez ($4.50M) Backup C: Omar Narvaez ($5.00M) …

Trades (Conducted through Baseball Trade Values Murphy, Puk for Celestino, Larnach, Winder Lopez for Polanco, Ober Kept Correa Free Agents: Pinder, Givens Lewis to join as UTL when healthy.. C: Sean Murphy ($3.30M) 1B: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) 2B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Carlos Correa ($30.00M) LF: Austin Martin ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) …

regarding pitching, and their propensity for dumpster diving for pitchers on the cheap (diamonds in the rough), might it be prudent to lock in 2 or 3 of the best (efficient) long relievers over the last couple years and see if we can stretch them out to 4 inning starters? (I know, I hate the concept, but it seems that they want a staff of guys who can all go 3-4 innings). And if not, we seem to need a pile of long relievers anyway. One would think we should be able to do it on the cheap which always seems to be a FO plus. Let's see those high end evaluation skills Falvine.

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

Would like to replace Kyle Garlick, could not find an option worth pursuing. This is setting up more for 2024 and find out what we have and what we need replacing. Do not expect Kepler to be here to start the season, but think a trade will be at the end of spring training when someone gets hurt. Do not like Pagan, but do not think the Twins will cut ties, maybe see what Sisk has, but do not know if he can harness his stuff enough, so start him in St. Paul. Someone forgot Moran on this list. Should have plenty of backup pitching in St. Paul to start. Would prefer Wallner to Kepler, but Twins will not cut ties. Polonco at SS is only until either Lewis returns or …

Correa stays for $35 million for 8 years. Need Closer to compliment Duran for $9 million. Arraez to $5.5million might be rich? Urshella arbitration eligible to $10.5 million gotta move him to afford Correa and Closer upgrade. Putting Maeda into the bullpen gets the most out of him & his $9 million. He’s a good high leverage guy in later innings if needed and a potential bridge guy a couple times per week from starter to pen. Dodgers used him in spots for years. Kepler is forced to earn his daily playing time in front of back up guys. He is there for stability in Center if needed along with Gordon. Gordon fills at 2nd as well. Celestino doesn’t fit our needs if r…

Trade Polonco and bring back pitching. Allow Arraez to play 2B which is more fitting for his skills, and gets him in the lineup EVERYDAY. Bring Correa back for $35mm/yr (8yr = 280) If he declines, then let him walk. He didn't provide what he was thought to have. Then, go hard after Tim Anderson, which would cost less, too. Celestino needs to go, and bring back a veteran that can ply CF and provide production for the amount of games we need due to Buxton's inability to stay on the field. I would suggest Tyler Naquin or Kevin Pillar. They would take the spot of either Garlick or Gordon, but probably Garlick. Cost would not be any different. Both of these suggestio…

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Alex Kiriloff ($0.70M) 2B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 3B: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) SS: Brooks Lee ($0.70M) LF: Matt Wallner ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Trevor Larnach ($0.70M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Austin ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

Starters/Bench: It is pretty much compromised of starters from last years team, I extended Correa, signed Narvaez, and traded for Ramon Laureano, all of which I will explain later. Ive got Kirilloff starting in left field, but him and Larnach are interchangeable. If Kirilloff is still injured you can replace him with Matt Wallner, who ideally will start the year at AAA. I am trading out a bench spot for a 6th starter, which is why Winder is listed as utility. Rotation: I am starting the year with a 6-man rotation to try and maintain the health of our starters, given that all 6 starters missed varying amounts of time last year do to injuries/illness. If we do get hit …

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Alex Kiriloff ($0.70M) 2B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 3B: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) SS: Brooks Lee ($0.70M) LF: Matt Wallner ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Trevor Larnach ($0.70M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Austin ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) S…

Elvis Andrus would be willing to take a short contract to backfill Royce in ‘23. i couldn’t stand seeing Kyle Garlick in the lineup anymore, so Pinder seemed like a relatively better option for a similar role. Christian Vazquez is the backup C because I’m too lazy to re-type out who’s in what role. Prolly a 50/50 time share anyways. the big acquisition is Carlos Rodon, not sure 25/year does it this go around…. Re-signed Fulmer Ober to the pen getting converted to short/middle relief Winder is the swing man. C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco …

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Henriquez ($0.00M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

C: Willson Contreras ($15.00M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Carlos Correa ($35.00M) LF: Trevor Larnach ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Matt Wallner ($0.70M) Backup C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M)…

I made another list earlier this week but made some changes after seeing other lists. I went with Kirilloff as my starter in left. Could switch for Larnach depending on health. I'm hoping Kirilloff regains his swing. Luis Arreaz and Josh Winder plus a lottery ticket for Woodfuff - Like the Hader trade payroll makes the Brewers make this move. Let's face it the Twins have way too many 2nd basemen. Something has to give and Arreaz is at the top of his trade value. I want Meada as a starter, But I don't think that is realistic coming off of TJ I went with Jose Iglesias at short expecting the FO to learn from the mistake of playing Lewis in center. 5 Mil was hi…

I think the Twins have plenty of young, talented pitchers to fill out the roster to start the season. I would add one more veteran arm like Rosenthal (big potential, health is a risk) to give the back end a little more flexibility. Omar is a fine option for backup catcher. He's got a solid bat and glove but we're still allowing Jeffers to be that "catcher of the future" we all think/hope he can be. I'd still like to consider a trade of some sorts along the line of Larnach or Kepler and some other pieces for Pablo Lopez. That would remove the need for Rosenthal and push everyone down a peg putting Ober or Maeda in the BP to start the season. C: Ryan…

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) S…

SS and RP are the big concerns of the offseason. SS will depend on how Lewis is progressing on his return from injury and how close they feel Brooks Lee is to the show. Jose Iglesias is probably the top candidate but if they feel one of these two guys could be up before the all-star break then why not take a shot on an even lower cost placeholder. Hence Villar. There are other low-cost options available too like Aledmys Diaz or Didi Gregorius so take your low-cost pic. McCutchen is probably stretched as a CF. But as a backup there and at other places with days off and DH days. I think he could be a real find for 400 PA and fill a role better than Garlick. and McCut…

Signings: 1. SS Xander Bogaerts—7yr/$200m ($24, $30, $30, $30, $29, $29, $28) 2. SP Carlos Rodon—4yr/$125m ($27.5, $30.5, $31, $31, $32m Club Option w/ $5m buyout) Trades: -Twins get C Sean Murphy from the Oakland Athletics for SP Josh Winder, RHP David Festa (#11), 2B Edouard Julien (#14) and OF Jose Rodriguez (#21) -Twins get OF Austin Slater and RHP Sean Hjelle from the San Francisco Giants for OF Gilberto Celestino and RHP Sean Mooney (#20) -Twins get RP Nick Anderson and RHP JJ Goss (#26) for RF Max Kepler and RP Trevor Megill -Twins get U Willi Castro and RP Joe Jimenez for SS Tanner Schobel (#13) and LHP Evan Sisk DFA: RP Emi…

It's way too early to guess on the offseason, but I don't mind being a little crazy. A couple of notes concerning numbers: 1. I'm trading Paddack to save the $3M. and 2. Maeda has a contract based on incentives ($3M +). I signed three free agents (in this too early iteration). Carlos Rodon gets 4/$100M, Aaron Judge gets 8/$320M, and Austin Hedges gets $4M. Of course, it is about .001 % that Minnesota even considers Judge but ...... I did make a couple of trades that may be impossible based on whatever another team believes about the Twins players. From Miami, Pablo Lopez, Edward Cabrera, and Jake Eder for Trevor Larnach, Ryan Jeffers, Tyler Mahle, Emilio …

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Carlos correa ($32M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) 1B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($7.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Carlos Correa ($40M) LF: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Kyle Garlick ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Utility: Gilberto Celestino ($0.70M) …

Money spent on Catcher offense, assuming Correa leaves., #1 starter & Closer to compliment Duran. This is $40,000,000 of over baseline $. Arraez to $5.5million might be rich? Urshella arbitration eligible to $10.5 million. Putting Maeda into the bullpen gets the most out of him & his $9million. He’s a good high leverage guy later innings if needed and a potential bridge guy a couple times per week from starter to pen. Dodgers used him in spots for years. Kepler is forced to earn his daily playing time in front of back up guys. He is there for stability in Center if needed along with Gordon. Celestino doesn’t fit our needs if roster is just a little more healt…

Here's a bridge option to get us to the Royce Lewis era at SS with Andrus while increasing the top end of the rotation, by making a run at Rodon. Wil Myers takes the Garlick role; he can still bash lefties while being less helpless against righties. Barnhart adds a lefty hitting catcher to give Jeffers breaks against the toughest righties. Maeda is an option to go to the bullpen as a guy who has the skills to go multiple innings with Winder to help bridge the "5 and Fly" guys to the late, 1 inning options. Is $25M enough to get it done with Rodon? don't know, but the team could roll the dice on Garlick instead of Myers and save some $ there. C: Ryan Jeffe…