Article: Supplementing the Twins: A Bat for Hire

[Ted Schwerzler]

As free agency is now fully underway for the Minnesota Twins and the rest of Major League Baseball, eligible players will begin signing deals with new teams in the days ahead. For the hometown club, the focus will undoubtedly be on pitching, and we’ve looked at both starting and relief options. If there’s a cherry to be added on top however, a right-handed bat makes some semblance of sense.Robbie Grossman will go down as one of the Twins better acquisitions in recent memory. Cast off by both the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians, the corner outfielder was picked up off the scrap heap, and proved invaluable to Minnesota during his tenure here. He’s been an on-base machine, a clubhouse presence, and a somewhat steadying presence at DH.

 

Coming off a season in which they made an unexpected Wild Card berth, the Twins goal will be to take the next step in 2018. While Grossman could be a part of that roster, he’s also the type of player you’d like to see expanded upon for overall roster advancement. Getting either more power or better defense from someone who can hit from the right side and play either first base or outfield is a good path to travel down. With that in mind, what are the Twins options?

 

Easily the best name on this list, and likely the most sought after, is Carlos Santana. The former Indians first basemen is adept in the field (he should’ve won a Gold Glove this season if it wasn’t going to go to Joe Mauer), and his bat is more than capable. As a switch hitter, he’s hit from both sides well over the course of his career, despite being better from the left side in 2017. An .842 OPS with 57 homers over the past two seasons is something Minnesota would gladly inject into the lineup.

 

Derek Falvey already has a certain level of rapport with Santana, and while that’s not going to net him much of a discount (if any), it gives them a place to start. After making $12 million in 2017, and playing 2018 at 32, he’ll be looking for a payday. While he’s not an ideal answer in the OF, Santana can spell Mauer at 1B and handle DH duties on an everyday basis. This is a splash that would be a big difference maker.

 

A step or so down from Santana comes in the likes of a former Twins divisional foe. Todd Frazier doesn’t check off the box of an outfielder, but he’s a right-handed power bat Minnesota could give a look to. Having played the hot corner for the vast majority of his career, Frazier has also ventured over to 1B previously, and could take on a DH role.

 

Traded to the Yankees for the stretch run, Frazier left the AL Central after just one and a half seasons with the White Sox. He last posted an .800+ OPS in 2015, and that was only the second time doing so over the course of his career. While his average sagged heavily in 2017, the .344 OPS (and .365 across 66 games with the Yankees) were very impressive. For a guy who can routinely lose 25+ balls in the seats, while getting on base, Minnesota could have interest if the money is right. Frazier could play third if Miguel Sano is forced into a permanent DH situation, and that also adds another wrinkle to the Twins intrigue.

 

On the lowest rung of this totem pole, we find Target Field killer Jose Bautista. Coming off a terrible season and now 37 years old, it’s entirely possible the one-time Blue Jays bat flipper is cooked. What’s also a possibility is that there may be just enough left in the tank for a team-friendly deal to make sense.

 

Despite a .674 OPS in 2017, Bautista posted an .817 OPS a year prior, and hadn’t dipped below an .800 OPS since 2009. He’s been an MVP candidate, Silver Slugger, and an All-Star while being a bomber who can hold his own in the outfield. Bautista didn’t hit anyone last year, and he’s actually been a reverse splits guy (hitting righties better) for the past few seasons. At this juncture, Baustista’s bargaining chips are fading which could make him appealing if the right situation presents itself.

 

Summarizing this Supplementing the Twins series as a whole, my ideal offseason includes the acquisition of a starter and two relievers. Beyond that, a second starter and a bench bat would follow suit in order of preference. The reality here is that the Twins are entering a period in which they should be able to make a sustained run at the postseason. The more ground work they do to support the internal developments that have been made, the more they stand to gain. We don’t need to see them break the bank, but we’ve embarked upon the “Go for it” moments of this thing, and there are actions that can be taken to reflect that.

 

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[old nurse]

To summarize in one or two badly constructed sentences. Bautista is old and declining. Frazier has seen better days as a Red. Carlos Santana plays the same position as Joe Mauer and this team needs 1/3 of the payroll paid to what are currently middle of the pack 1B.

 

[mikelink45]

Interesting names, but nothing here that excites.  Age is one thing none of us can ignore - it is the finall equalizer and I feel like Bautista and Frazier are fighting that right now. Santana at 32 has only a few years before he spirals downhill but would be the only one I would expect to get a good return on if the contract does not exceed 3 years.  

[Darius]

I don't they need anyone spectacular. A decent bench bat should do it.

 

If Kepler can take a step forward, Rosario, Polanco, and Buxton maintain a fraction of their second half performances, and Sano gets/stays healthy, this could be one of the top 3 offenses in Major League Baseball.

 

This all assuming we don't see Rooker at some point.

[ThejacKmp]

 

I don't they need anyone spectacular. A decent bench bat should do it.

 

Yeah, and I'd almost rather see them give Vargas/Park a shot at that bench bat spot. I know neither guy has been amazing but they also have some upside and they don't cost anything new.

 

I'd like to see a run at a top free agent pitcher and maybe one impact reliever whose name is not Brandon Kintzler. Other than that, let it roll.

[Dantes929]

 Obvious answer to all the questions but one is Shohei Otani.    

Top of rotation pitcher.  Check

DH most day.  Check

Backup outfielder.  Check

Bench bat on days he doesn't start.  Check

Pinch runner on days he doesn't start.  Check   (3.9 to 1st base?)

Backup 1st base.  Check    6'5"

Only box he doesn't check is right handed bat but we can teach him to switch hit.

 

[Blake]

Wouldn't an internal candidate like Mitch Garver be acceptable?

 

It's obvious the days of the "DH only" are pretty much over due to teams wanting to carry more pitchers.

 

I don't get looking at outside candidates when there may be candidates that will give the team the bat and the defensive flexibility needed.

 

I mention this, because, frankly, every dollar not spent on a FA position player is another dollar for a FA pitcher.

[AWOLNATION_11]

I've been pondering Frazier lately.   With Sano's leg injury I wonder if that fit (or a 3B capable player) makes the most sense.   I've commented elsewhere that I'm interested in Howie Kendrick.   Checks some boxes.   Right-handed, plays corner OF and some IF, brings veteran voice to clubhouse, probably won't be too expensive.

[diehardtwinsfan]

honestly, I'm not too concerned about another bench bat. I'd be half willing to give Park a shot personally. Grossman might be worth setting sites on to upgrade, but that upgrade is going to be incrementally small. The team has gaping holes at SP and RP, and that is where FA money needs to be spent.

[USAFChief]

A good RH bat is a priority for the Twins this off-season, IMO.

 

Santana would be a fantastic pickup. I could live with betting on Bautista too.

 

There are no internal candidates likely to help, IMO.

[Thrylos]

I'd love to see what a full season of Vargas, a healthy Park, and even Brent Rooker can do before I spend $ that should be dedicated to fixing pitching (2 starters, 3 end of the pen relievers.)   I would not mind taking flyers on MiLB contracts and see whether any of them can stick.  That's about it.

 

The bat are not the problem here.  Grossman is fine as well.  

[diehardtwinsfan]

yeah, I think a 4A type 3B signing in Rochester will make a ton of sense, but I'd much rather get pitching and lots of it.

[mrmpls]

How about austin jackson ? 

[gunnarthor]

I think we'll have to use most of our money on pitching. If Sano can't go at third everyday, we'll use Escobar behind him. Maybe we could find another RH 4th OFer over Granite through a minor trade. 

[Dantes929]

 

Yeah, and I'd almost rather see them give Vargas/Park a shot at that bench bat spot. I know neither guy has been amazing but they also have some upside and they don't cost anything new.

 

I'd like to see a run at a top free agent pitcher and maybe one impact reliever whose name is not Brandon Kintzler. Other than that, let it roll.

Why not Kintzler?      I thought he did very well for us and you appear to put him in the impact reliever category.     I was prepared not to like him when he came up but all he did was pitch well for us for two years..   

[GM64]

With Sano’s injury perhaps forcing him into a sole DH role, at least for a portion of the season, any RH bat must either be a good corner outfielder or an acceptable starting 3b. I think Escobar can be an acceptable 3b, short term, so I prefer an OF.

[Tomj14]

 

I'd love to see what a full season of Vargas, a healthy Park, and even Brent Rooker can do before I spend $ that should be dedicated to fixing pitching (2 starters, 3 end of the pen relievers.)   I would not mind taking flyers on MiLB contracts and see whether any of them can stick.  That's about it.

 

The bat are not the problem here.  Grossman is fine as well.  

Vargas and Park have no place on the twins IMO. Park is will be 32 next year and Vargas is what he is (not a good ball player, but does have occasional power)

Rooker seems more like a 19 candidate to me.

Agree with everything else you said.

 

If for some reason they don't think Sano is going to be able to play 3B for 120+ games next year, I wouldn't mind Frazier for the right price. He strikes out too much but I like the walks and he is only a few months older than Park.

[strumdatjaguar]

It's probably not a good idea to have Bautista and Castro on the same roster, after what happened in Cuba - January 1, 1959.

[Respy]

I agree with the overall assessment by the article.  I also agree with some commenters that Austin Jackson is one to consider as well.  That will depend on how often he expects to play.  He had an OPS of 1.014 against lefties last year.

[TNTwinsFan]

My vote would be Park/Vargas until July when Rooker has smashed about 20 HR for Chattanooga. Then its Rooker hitting the go-ahead 3-Run Shot in game 6 of the World Series for the win. I'm REALLY excited about that kid!

[Seth Stohs]

I can't understand this thinking that there is any chance that the Twins might be a realistic option for Carlos Santana.

 

While I think the Twins would be willing to pay Santana, why would Cleveland not be willing to match that offer, and then why would he leave them to join the Twins. 

 

That's not an anti-Twins take, but I do think it's realistic.

 

Unless the Twins are willing to way-overpay for Santana, I think he'd stay "home." And if overpaying is what it takes... that's generally not a good idea.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm just more of the opinion that Santana makes zero sense to this club. Minnesota makes zero sense to Santana too. They already have a good offense, not to mention a 1B for next year at the least and possibly longer (and quite possibly a nice one in Rooker as well).

[jimmer]

 

I'm just more of the opinion that Santana makes zero sense to this club. Minnesota makes zero sense to Santana too. They already have a good offense, not to mention a 1B for next year at the least and possibly longer (and quite possibly a nice one in Rooker as well).

This

[Shaitan]

I'd take Santana on a short-term deal, maybe Bautista fo $1 to PH. Frazier? Zero interest. 

[Timtwinsfan]

I'm speculating many of you, including the author don't watch other teams. Someone mentioned Frazer. So let's score these players, Frazer is a D player, power, terrible at bats. Santana, C-, a player who did what most do in their contract year, respectable. Vargas, for sure D, like one guy said, he's just not a good MLB player. The FA market is filled with "C" players that teams will overpay so people who don't follow baseball will think the team is trying to get good players whereby the GM is just trying to save his job. Why do you think they released Palka, Twins Trivia, how many teams has Adam Brett Walker been with? How about an on base guy, someone if you needed a bat who took walks, good singles hitter, go long in the count. You remember those players? Why pay 8 mill to a .220 hitter with 28.697% strikeouts?

[bobs]

  I'm biased.  I've always liked Santana.  Not sure of the fit.  I think he's a better short-term fit than long term, assuming Sano moves to 1B after Mauer's contract runs out in '18.  Also likely going to get a 3-yr deal from an AL team. 

  This team proved more than adequate offensively, so my first reaction is every dime should be spent on pitching. 

  Hate to say it, but Frazier may be the better short term fit b/c he can play 3B if Sano isn't ready.  If Sano is ready to hit in April but not field, he can DH.  Frazier could also DH and of course adds the RH bat this lineup needs.

[Lee-The-Twins-Fan]

It's not that I wouldn't like to get almost any of these guys, but i doubt it will happen. We need a pitching ace, two relievers (including a closer), and maybe a back-up catcher. Yes, a right-handed bat who could play 3B might be desired. But not over the other needs. By the time the Twins are ready to acquire a RH bat, they will have already acquired a starting pitcher 9or two) and a couple relievers. That will leave precious little left to spend tens of millions of dollars on Santana, Frasier, Bautista, or any other high-value RH bat. It just won't happen. They may set their sights on a lower-cost alternative, but likely none of the big four.

[Oldgoat_MN]

I think it's a little easy to be harsh on Kennys Vargas.

Everybody wants the David Ortiz of 2016, but this is where Kennys ranks in the stats among the 23 players who had 100 PA or more in 2017 as DH:

 

wRC+.... 10th

OPS........ 8th

WAR........ 9th

Above average in each of these stats.

Not Chili Davis, but not Jason Tyner, either.

[DocBauer]

I'd love Santana, and he'd be a great fit on most any team. But, assuming this team doesn't pony up via trade or FA for a true #1 SP...unlikely as there just aren't many available first of all...were talking, roughly, $11-15M for Lynn, Chatwood or Cobb. Add in a couple really nice bullpen arms at $5-7M each, and we're hitting $120M-ish.

 

Santana puts us the $130M category. Very affordable, overall, with more money coming off the books the next couple of seasons to help pay for extensions, etc. Even with a Mauer and Dozier re-sign, we end up netting additional dollars. But to jump that far, that fast toward $130+M just seems unreasonable. And I also agree that I don't think Cleveland would let him walk anyway.

 

Frazier? Maybe. But would he really be an upgrade over Escobar at 3B if there is a Sano playing in the field situation?

 

I think a good, solid, useful player for less money is really warranted. Maybe Kenrick. And while it might seem overly optimistic, if Grossman could just settle in as a player between his 2016-17 years, he could be very useful at either the top or bottom of the order.

[h2oface]

Carlos had a pretty good July - August, but he was toast April through June. Sure, it can happen to anyone, but my bet is that last half year was his last hurrah. I think his slide is coming hard.