The Twins Have Their Shortstop; Another Starting Pitcher Next?

[Lucas Seehafer PT]

Fans and journalists alike learned a valuable lesson early Saturday morning — namely that sleep is for the weak of will — as many awoke to the one good piece of news going on at the moment: Carlos Correa is a Minnesota Twin.

Correa, who had only been linked to the Twins in the most daydreamy of scenarios (if that), put pen to paper on a 3-year, $105.3 million contract, making him the highest-paid infielder in MLB history. He will immediately slot in as the team’s starting shortstop and help form one of the league’s most dynamic up-the-middle trios alongside Jorge Polanco and Byron Buxton.

The 2012 No. 1 overall pick lived up to the hype during his seven seasons with the Houston Astros, slashing .277/.356/.481 and slugging 133 home runs, culminating in a 5.8 fWAR performance last summer that netted him a top five finish in MVP voting.

But his excellence isn’t secluded to the plate. He’s also pretty proficient with the glove, registering 12 outs above average in 2021 and 27 since Statcast was implemented in 2016. (He won the American League’s Platinum Glove last summer, joining Buxton as the only Twins to have brought home the award.)

To put it bluntly: In a league replete with shortstop talent, Correa is without question among the best, if not the best all around.

Baseball is not like other sports in that a supreme individual talent can single-handedly carry a team into World Series contention. One need not look any further than the Los Angeles Angels for proof. However, the signing of Correa lends even further credence to the Twins’ belief that they can compete not only for an American League Central title, but perhaps more this season.

Correa’s signing coupled with the trades for Sonny Gray, Gio Urshela, and Gary Sanchez has transformed the Twins from a team with two starting pitchers and no clear plan for the future to one that is perhaps a single piece away from being a true threat in the A.L. And with rumors swirling that they have significant interest in Oakland A’s pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea — both of whom figure to be very gettable at the moment — that single piece may soon arrive.

The Twins now boast a lineup consisting of three players — the aforementioned Buxton, Correa, and Polanco — who registered at least 3.9 fWAR last season, with Sanchez, Urshela, and Max Kepler having accomplished the feat in the past as well. Add in promising youngsters Alex Kirilloff, Ryan Jeffers, and Trevor Larnach as well as the ever-steady Luis Arraez and the Twins could have a lineup on par or greater than 2019’s much-beloved Bomba Squad.

However, their offseason remains incomplete. The Twins still need to add at least one more starting pitcher as well as a bullpen arm or two. They could also use another veteran catcher to supplement Jeffers and Sanchez, neither of whom is considered a sure thing at the moment.

At this point, there is little reason why the Twins shouldn't open the gates to their farm system to usher in a Montas-caliber pitcher. While they lack elite truly elite prospects — though many have made the argument that Austin Martin is — the overall depth of the Twins' system is undoubtedly enticing to other teams. They could part with multiple of their top 10 prospects and still be full of talent. As such, this is the exact moment in which they should be aggressively shopping their minor league prospects and it would come as a bit of a shock if they weren't.

But despite the prolonged nature of the offseason and the periods of wondering what the heck they were up to, the patience of Derek Falvey and Thad Levine once again paid off. The Twins have their shortstop (albeit perhaps for only one season). The Twins have their top-end starting pitcher (and perhaps another on the way). The Twins have had a great offseason.

Now all that can be done is to wait to see how they tie a bow on it all.

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[cHawk]

They should definitely add a starter (like Montas). They should also add one or teo more RPs.

[SanoMustGo]

I was wrong about the FO being stupid.  Urshela is a good 3rd baseman, Correa is a stud, and so is Polanco. I think Sano will be better this season.  Jeffers is improving and we have good depth with Sanchez, Miranda, Lewis, Gordon & Arraez.  I think the infield is in REALLY good shape.  

Buxton, Kepler, and Kiriloff could be really good offensively and overall, above avg defensively.  Depth is not as good as the infield with Celestino & Larnach of course, but perhaps Lewis or Gordon could also serve in back-up roles.

The bullpen was pretty darn good by the end of last season, and I think with all the options available, we find enough pieces to have at worst, an average to slightly above avg bullpen.

We need one more really good starting pitcher, and have enough quality prospects, and enough MLB depth to make a trade to get one more high quality SP. 

I don't think the FO has come this far not make a deal for that final piece...one more quality starter. 

The team is not perfect, but other than the Dodgers, who is?

This, with one more top starter, is a 90+ if healthy.

[KirbyHawk75]

I want my Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team to reach the Sweet 16 before I am in the ground.  I just want the Twins to win one playoff game and then one playoff series before I am gone.  Anything else is gravy.  

[SkyBlueWaters]

With Urshela, Correa, and Polanco starting, and Arraez, Gordon, Miranda and Lewis backing them up, the Twins are so deep in infielders you have to think someone in that group has to be part of the package to garner the starting pitcher we need.

I like Polanco a lot (except for the defense, at SS), but I suppose he is older than a team like the A's would want. I'd hate to give up Lewis, but if that's what it takes to add a front-of-the-rotation starter, then it's time to make the deal.

This team is waaay too good in the field to try and compete with a rotation of Gray, Bundy, Ryan, Ober & Dobnak or Jax.

 

 

[specialiststeve]

My guess and the "word" is that the Twins as well as a half dozen other teams are looking at the Oakland pitchers. The Twins Front office is clearly looking for one more pitcher ... just a matter of when and who.. 

This is going to be an interesting season!!

 

[bean5302]

I don't think Urshela is a given as the starter over Miranda at 3B. He's probably better as a fielder than Miranda and would probably make the better of the two when it comes to utility. Urshela had a pretty awful year at the plate (by his standards) in his age 29 season last year. 

I also don't think the Twins are done. With Polanco, Miranda, Urshela, Arraez and Gordon, there's too much redundancy. If the Twins are looking to move Gordon to full time utility outfielder, it still leaves at least one too many valuable every day worthy guys at 4-5-6.

[jrod23]

Well done Seehafer.  Good read.  We're poised for another big move.  There's a possibility we could make the move for Montas, Manaea, or Castillo w/out losing Martin & Lewis.  If you see what the Mets gave up for Bassitt, it's possible.  That said, I see us dealing Martin before Lewis.  Lewis is 1 ACL tear and two years removed from the game.  Calling him a "key" piece in trade would probably be insulting to the A's or Reds.  Down side is it will cost more pitching.  Sending Woods-Richardson doesn't seem likely.  Neither would want to be the 4th team on his young career.  On top of that, I'd feel bad for the kid.  I think we can do it with a departure of Winder, Duran, and maybe a flyer on a low-A guy.  Maybe Canterino over Winder or Duran, which I'd hate to do.

I LOVE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE TWINS RIGHT NOW!!!

[The Mad King]

I see quite a few touting Miranda as a solid backup.

A) triple A success doesn't mean he can handle major league pitching. That needs to be proven 

B ) they are not going to keep him here to sit on the bench. He either starts or they move him 

Just the opinion of an old guy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[roger]

Last weekend the Twins made three deals.

This weekend we have Correa, the pitcher, and who will be the third?

I am hopeful it is some deal for a starting pitcher, a deal that will lighten the overload of infielders and/or DH's.

[nicksaviking]

I’d like whatever pitching they get to be controlled longer than the A’s duo. 
 

It would be another pipe dream for sure, but Miami wants a CF. Would they consider moving Trevor Rodgers for Kepler + Lewis or Martin + Arraez or Urshala + Strotman or Winder?

[Unwinder]

I'm going to take a wild guess and predict a Kepler-to-Miami trade package. Too much competition for the A's pitchers. Can get a better deal where no one is looking.

[IndianaTwin]

5 hours ago, KirbyHawk75 said:

I want my Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team to reach the Sweet 16 before I am in the ground.  I just want the Twins to win one playoff game and then one playoff series before I am gone.  Anything else is gravy.  

Dude — way to ruin my supper. For at least a couple hours, I’d gotten Thursday’s debacle out of my mind, and you had to remind me. 

I will say, however, that it was pretty awesome to be with 15,000 of my closest friends at CHA Friday afternoon for the women’s blowout. 

(And besides, I appear to be about 10 years older than you, so consider the stress I’m dealing with. I guess I do have on you that I’m old enough to remember Steve Waite’s drive to the basket against Georgetown.)

Back to the nachos.

[RJA]

24 minutes ago, Unwinder said:

I'm going to take a wild guess and predict a Kepler-to-Miami trade package. Too much competition for the A's pitchers. Can get a better deal where no one is looking.

I agree with your take.  We know the Marlins are looking for a centerfielder and bats so Kepler plus prospects might work depending on who we target, but two of their guys have injury concerns so that hurts.  The Marlins don't like spending money, so Kepler's contract and the prospects might appeal to them more than free agents.  Baltimore could be a partner with Means but that would come with a stiff price.  

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

5 hours ago, bean5302 said:

With Polanco, Miranda, Urshela, Arraez and Gordon, there's too much redundancy. If the Twins are looking to move Gordon to full time utility outfielder, it still leaves at least one too many valuable every day worthy guys at 4-5-6.

That's probably true over the course of the whole season. But it may not be an issue to begin the year -- Miranda won't necessarily open the season in the majors, and as we saw in 2021, Arráez entered the season as the "10th man" and got a ton of starts and innings. Having a bench full of guys who should be full-time starters is a waste, but having like 1 or 2 starting-worthy players on the bench each game seems solidly in the realm of "good problems."

[HrbieFan]

3 hours ago, Unwinder said:

I'm going to take a wild guess and predict a Kepler-to-Miami trade package. Too much competition for the A's pitchers. Can get a better deal where no one is looking.

Detroit, Angel's and Royals are hot n after Montas too.  It is going to take an impressive package to land him. 

[Richmond Dude]

8 hours ago, KirbyHawk75 said:

I want my Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team to reach the Sweet 16 before I am in the ground.  I just want the Twins to win one playoff game and then one playoff series before I am gone.  Anything else is gravy.  

Thise of us who are Vikings fans have a phrase:  Just one before I die.

[terrydactyls]

Arraez, Balazovic, Enlow, Kepler, Strotman, and Steer for Montas and either Soderstrom or Longeliers (two top catching prospects).

[bean5302]

4 hours ago, whosafraidofluigirussolo said:

That's probably true over the course of the whole season. But it may not be an issue to begin the year -- Miranda won't necessarily open the season in the majors, and as we saw in 2021, Arráez entered the season as the "10th man" and got a ton of starts and innings. Having a bench full of guys who should be full-time starters is a waste, but having like 1 or 2 starting-worthy players on the bench each game seems solidly in the realm of "good problems."

I would say it's actually fairly likely the Twins won't start Miranda on the 26 man. After all, keeping him off the roster for a couple weeks is still going to be the tried and true way of manipulating service time. The only way it comes back to bite the Twins is if Miranda has a great season, and if he has a great season, they get an extra year of All Star performance instead of a low percentage draft pick. 

[AKTwins]

If we can’t get Montas, Manaea or one of the Marlins starters, I think they should look into Zac Gallen.  Gallen may not be ready for opening day, but doesn’t sound like his shoulder issue is anything major. 
Marlins want to compete and need an mlb ready CF.  Twins have plenty CF prospects in Celestine, Martin and Lewis, but I don’t think the Marlins want a prospect.  Kepler makes sense, if the Twins are good with Larnach and Kiriloff manning the corner outfield spots, or picking up a 4th outfielder that could be a half ways decent starter.  Maybe Tommy Pham.  They could also use Rooker in Left Filed.  With Buxton in Center field that helps balance out the defense.  Then the next issue is who is the back-up CF?  Gordon?  Do you sign Kevin Pillar?

 

 

[Whitey333]

I can't believe that they won't make a trade for a decent starting pitcher.  Spending that much money even if only for one year makes no sense unless you have major league pitching.  They have made trades in the past to acquire prospects.  It may be a good time to trade some prospects for reliable pitching.  It appears I, like many others, was selling this FO short.  It looks like there is a plan.  Thank you.  Must get another veteran starter.  I am sure they will.

[VivaBomboRivera!]

18 hours ago, SkyBlueWaters said:

This team is waaay too good in the field to try and compete with a rotation of Gray, Bundy, Ryan, Ober & Dobnak or Jax.

Indeed. But let's also keep in mind that a solid defensive infield makes every pitcher that much better.

[jmlease1]

11 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

Arraez, Balazovic, Enlow, Kepler, Strotman, and Steer for Montas and either Soderstrom or Longeliers (two top catching prospects).

So...2 MLB starters (right now, Arraez is starting either as our DH or 3B and Kepler is still our starting RF) one under team control and one with a team-friendly contract, our best starting pitching prospect (#4 overall), two more of our top 20 prospects, AND another pitcher? For Frankie Montas? Talk about buying high.

[Trov]

I just wonder what Oakland is seeking.  They still have two pitchers they are most likely trading.  I think what they may be asking in return is based on when they think their timetable will be.  Just looking at their prospect lists, they seem to light on OF prospects, but do they have much interest in what we have there? My guess is they really do not want much of our MLB or near MLB OF guys, and I am think the discussion will be for either Lewis or Martin and a pitching prospect.  We clearly are looking to win now with current moves, do we give up that, or can we get Oakland to accept younger hitting prospects and one of our more ready pitching prospects? 

[tony&rodney]

Celestino should be attractive to Oakland but I'm not too sure how they view Larnach, Wallner, etc.

[Linus]

Agree that they now have to do what it takes to obtain starting pitching. Where I differ is that I believe they need two starters not one. 

[Wyotwinsfan]

I’m happy with the new shortstop.  I don’t think they are finished with the roster and will add some pitching.  
It’s fun to read Yankee fans comments on MLB Trade Rumors about the Twins signing Correa. Quite a few are really cranky about who they got so the Twins could end up with our shortstop. 
I also read that Rortvedt has an oblique strain and is out for awhile. 

[ashbury]

50 minutes ago, Wyotwinsfan said:

I’m happy with the new shortstop.

He'll do, until one of our prospects pushes him out.

[Unwinder]

15 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

Arraez, Balazovic, Enlow, Kepler, Strotman, and Steer for Montas and either Soderstrom or Longeliers (two top catching prospects).

I don't know, Falvine staked their reputation on building a pitching pipeline. That's a big chunk of their livelihood going out the door.

[jorgenswest]

4 hours ago, Trov said:

I just wonder what Oakland is seeking.  They still have two pitchers they are most likely trading.  I think what they may be asking in return is based on when they think their timetable will be.  Just looking at their prospect lists, they seem to light on OF prospects, but do they have much interest in what we have there? My guess is they really do not want much of our MLB or near MLB OF guys, and I am think the discussion will be for either Lewis or Martin and a pitching prospect.  We clearly are looking to win now with current moves, do we give up that, or can we get Oakland to accept younger hitting prospects and one of our more ready pitching prospects? 

I suspect they are seeking a top 50 pitching prospect to headline a Montas deal. The Twins aren’t a good match here. They may not find that match and come back to the Twins but I would want prime pitching prospects for Montas.