Nola got fleeced in that deal. Two years of FA for $31million I’m his prime yet?

I think Berrios is the most obvious candidate, for all the reasons mentioned above. The analysis of Gibson and Rosario in previous posts describes the pros and cons of that, and I can go either way. I have two main thoughts: (1) I would differentiate Buxton from Sano. Buxton has been injury prone and maybe hasn't been as able to learn what he needs to learn about hitting a baseball, but he's a world-class defender and a willing (if sometimes stubborn) worker. I'd take a chance on extending him, because even if his hitting is mediocre he still contributes, and if he learns how to handle pitching he's a near all-star. And I think he'll work hard. Sano concerns me more. Can he ever have a body that will work? And what position can he play? You can't extend him on the basis of him being a full-time DH, but are you sure he can play in the field? I would like to see if he can maintain a good weight, show some positional flexibility, show that he can be more than a one-dimensional slugger before I'd pay him. I'd risk having to overpay later.

(2) the other point I'd make is, it can be worth signing guys even if you don't necessarily want to keep them forever. The cost certainty makes players more tradeable, as long as you haven't wildly overpaid. I think that applies to Rosario in particular, maybe Polanco. Sign them up, and then if everything breaks right with prospects and you want to trade either or both, you have a contract that can be dealt.

He can’t contribute if he is hitting so poorly that he isn’t in the lineup. Frankly, other than 6 weeks of 2017, that describes the entirety of his career.

Berrios is extremely close to one year younger than Nola, and they had comparable age 24 seasons. Nola was better, but it wasn't by that much.  Berrios also logged several more innings.

 

If the Twins can get a comparable contract and age 25 season out of Berrios, we will have something to cheer about.