The Twins New Shortstop for 2023?

[Ted Schwerzler]

Going into this offseason, the Minnesota Twins are going to face a serious decision at the shortstop position. Carlos Correa can, and will, opt out of his contract following the World Series. It is then on the organization to decide their next move, and they’ve provided some context as to what we should expect from there.

 

Image courtesy of Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Falvey and Thad Levine made arguably the biggest splash of their tenure leading the Twins when they inked Carlos Correa to a deal last offseason. Ultimately, after pawning Josh Donaldson off on the New York Yankees, Correa fell in their laps. Minnesota had substantial money to spend, and a need that he could fill. This offseason, that same reality remains true, but Correa should have suitors willing to pay him Francisco Lindor money. It’s probably unlikely that the Twins are one of them.

So, where does that leave a team waiting on Royce Lewis’ eventual return? It’s a big gamble to believe Lewis, coming off a second ACL surgery, will be the same player. However, his debut provided enough excitement to suggest he can hold down the position. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was who this front office targeted initially, before Correa, and that would have been a defense-only option that ultimately filled the void. Now facing a similar scenario, the front office will need to navigate a path forward.

Despite the position being arguably one of the most important on the diamond, there are not a ton of options this winter. That is unless you want to play in the deep end of the pool. Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson, and Correa are going to be the top tier, but from there it’s quite a drop-off. Minnesota would seem an unlikely landing spot for Chicago White Sox Tim Anderson. He’s not a good defender, and a long-term deal there doesn’t make much sense. They could opt for an Ehire Adrianza reunion, but Jermaine Palacios would probably have been a better option before he was DFA’d and claimed by the Tigers.

Both Elvis Andrus and Aledmys Diaz check the veteran box with some offensive upside, but it’s hard to envision either being an ideal fit for the Twins. Andrus provided production in just a limited sample, and Diaz hasn’t held down a single position in years. With external options waning and one name still yet to be discussed, things keep coming back to Jose Iglesias.

The well-traveled veteran is coming off a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies. He’s never been more than a league-average hitter, outside of the 2020 outlier with the Baltimore Orioles, but he does hit for a solid average. Defensively Iglesias has rated poorly from a Defensive Runs Saved standpoint, but has been roughly even when it comes to outs above average. As a whole, he’s the ideal type of player to operate in a stopgap role.

There should be little reason Minnesota would need to pay handsomely for Iglesias. He made just $5 million last season in Colorado, and likely could be had for a similar amount in his age-33 season. Iglesias has been a reliably healthy option for years now, and could certainly hold down the fort until Lewis is ready to make his return.

There’s no reason to suggest that Iglesias would be a big move for Minnesota, and if anything, it’d likely be received somewhat poorly. Coming off Correa though, the only way to lessen the blow is by re-upping on a new deal or swinging big on one of the other top two options. Going the stopgap route at shortstop could allow the Twins more funds to hand out elsewhere, however.

Ultimately, there are not a ton of options on the free agent market. It doesn’t make much sense for Minnesota to swing a trade for a shortstop, and if they aren’t paying Correa, it’s odd to think they’d spend on someone else. Iglesias is where I’d put the highest odds at this point, especially considering the lack of internal options.

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See where Jose Iglesias ranks among free-agent shortstops according to Cody's article from yesterday. 

 

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[Brandon27]

Twins will resign Correa I don't think cubs going spend big money on players. Red Sox going resign their shortstop. Swanson going stay in Atlanta and giants not going spend big money on shortstop 

[Nine of twelve]

I'm not on Twitter, but someone who is told me that there was a tweet that Correa has officially opted out.

[gunnarthor]

Low cost/internal options until Lewis is ready to go. 

[High heat]

Wonder what Alberto’s Mondesi  or Nicky Lopez would cost from the Royals?

Dont want to pay Correa that 35 million for the next 7 8 + years. 

[Vanimal46]

There’s no reason the Twins should not be in on one of the top 4 short stop free agents. 

[Doctor Gast]

The FA SSs that want big $ & long contracts are out of our league. Intially I thought we could go out & try to sign Correa and trade him when Lewis is ready. But normally those players are hard to move.

With the no extreme shift rule, our INF will be hurting if we don't get a premium defensive SS, IMO  Iglesias doesn't cut it. Trading IMO is the best answer, NYY has some SS prospects ready to come up maybe they're open to trading IKF & Rortvedt back to us?

[lukeduke1980]

Kind of have to let the dust settle on the big 4 then agree maybe an IFK or Gavin Lux could be had 

[DocBauer]

Agreed that the top SS are most likely to re-sign with their own teams. And if one of them moves on? Well then, that team probably signs one of the others.  I just don't see the Twins signing any of the SS other than Correa. Not saying they can't or it won't happen, just saying keeping him makes the most sense if you're going to go big.

That being said, I just don't see $250-$300M for 7-8 years by the Twins. I won't be unhappy if they do. I just don't believe it will happen. Just too much for too long and I don't see Correa doing 6yrs.

And I don't see trading for a stop-gap unless the player cost is small and it's for 1yr. Now, it's possible said stop-gap might be traded at the deadline to another team hurting for a SS, but that's a whole different topic and an assumption that Lewis 100% and good to go by July-ish, if not sooner.

I kinda liked Andrus as an option, but is he really going to opt out of $15M in 2023 thinking he's going to get a better/longer deal?

Iglesias just might be the best option. 

I fully expect the Twins to spend money this offseason. It might be for a powerful corner OF bat. It might be for the best arm they can get their hands on. (Rodon is risky but has been tied to the Twins twice in the last year. Maybe?) I just don't know that one of these top SS is going to be the right answer. I think the money goes elsewhere, they find a "decent" short term option, and trust in Lewis, etc.

 

 

[TwinsDr2021]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

But normally those players are hard to move.

Super star players aren't hard to trade, overpaid/injured players are.

[Cris E]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Super star players aren't hard to trade, overpaid/injured players are.

You know what the difference is? An injury or two,  

[stringer bell]

2 hours ago, DocBauer said:

 

I kinda liked Andrus as an option, but is he really going to opt out of $15M in 2023 thinking he's going to get a better/longer deal?

 

 

I believe Andrus didn’t make the vesting option and is an unrestricted free agent. 

[Craig Arko]

I’d be okay with a combination of Urshela and Gordon (and Polanco in a pinch) until Lewis, Martin, Javier, or Lee seizes the position. 

[mikelink45]

Not excited about these options - in many ways Kiner-Falefa was the perfect signing.  He had 2.9 WAR and less power than Correa, but he had decent ABs - better than many of our players and would have been with us another year.  I know he was the price we paid to get rid of Donaldson, but....

None of the high enders should become Twins - I do not like the long term megabuck deals and there will be a lot of buy remorse in a few years.  I do like the KC ide

Quote

Wonder what Alberto’s Mondesi  or Nicky Lopez would cost from the Royals?

However I also think that Martin is the real answer - and even possibly a high rising Lee (I would love that).  Forget overpaying and hoping for luck from without.  

[DJL44]

4 hours ago, Brandon27 said:

I don't think cubs going spend big money on players

Their fans should be pissed. Cubs have deep pockets. Of course, they're Cubs fans so they don't mind losing as long as the keg still has beer in it.

[bigdave]

Correa showed he's not worth $30 million. He was a non-factor in too many games, then made a contract push in September. I'm good with signing Iglesias. He makes the plays and plays with energy.

[TwinsDr2021]

3 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

There’s no reason the Twins should not be in on one of the top 4 short stop free agents. 

The Twins have no real long term payroll committed to anybody but Buxton. Kepler has two years left at 8.5 and 10, Polanco has two years at 7.5 and 10. Otherwise Nothing.

Ryan, Ober, Winder, Varland, SWR, Balazxovi, Enlow, Henriquez, Jax, Duran, Moran, AlcaSands and any other minor league pitcher that helps is basically free.  Arraez isn't a free agent until 25, Jeffers, AK, Larnach, Lewis, Miranda are locked up past 25 if they want them. Any other minor league player that comes up is basically free as well. If they wanted to they could sign Judge (45), Correa (35) and Rodon (25), next year would be a pretty high payroll but they could trade Gray, Kepler an it still wouldn't be cray high. (Not saying they should do this but to pretend the Twins can't go out and get who they want is simply not true)

The Twins can sign anybody they want to sign,

[Dave The Dastardly]

"The Twins can sign anybody they want to sign,"  TwinsDr2021

 

Assuming "anybody" wants to come here. If I was an established player, one with a proven track record, and wanted a(nother) shot at a World Series title, or a chance to burnish personal records for an eventual shot at the Hall, would I sign with the Twins? Ask Correa.

But if I was at the end of a so-so career, running out of gas, struggling with reoccurring injuries and anxious to pad my retirement would I sign a 2-3 year deal with the Twins? In a heartbeat. List of "free" agents who have done exactly that resembles a dime novel.

 

 

 

 

 

[PDX Twin]

Quote

Iglesias has been a reliably healthy option for years now, and could certainly hold down the fort until Lewis is ready to make his return.

Why would he want to come here and surely get injured? ?

[Old fox]

I am in on resigning Correa for adding a 3 year extension $37500,000 this would be 2025-26-27 with a mutual option in 2028. That would peg his salary at $36500000 for six years and Correa’s age about 33.  
I would release Sano~, Sanchez, Fulmer, release 7 more pitchers, salary will be off the books on 12/31/22., and with the 6 players already released has already saved $4,500,000. Total salary savings about $45,000,000.  
Then adding back FA signings for a catcher for $13,500,000, relief pitching  for $16,000,000, then, a trade with the Rangers for relief pitcher such as Burke or LeClec or Martin. 

[Beast]

Just fold this franchise.  My God.

We should have like $60 million to spend and we’re clamoring for “cheap options” and Iglesias?

What the point?  Do fans think they get bonus points for takes like that?  It sure as heck isn’t going to win baseball games.

We’ve been playing this “get cheap options and wait for someone” game for like two decades now.  It’s gotten us a bunch of crap teams and a world record for playoff incompetency.  On top of it, our farm system stinks right now.  What the hell is there to lose?

Its like some weird baseball masochism that’s unique to Twins fans.     They should start giving away gimp masks as promotions at the games.

[mnfireman]

7 hours ago, Nine of twelve said:

I'm not on Twitter, but someone who is told me that there was a tweet that Correa has officially opted out.

He can't officially until after the WS. Nobody is a FA until after the WS>

[jrod23]

Correa didn't blow my socks off this season.  The Twins did when they signed him, but that's about it.  He was behind Miranda in RBI, but with 80 more at bats that Jose.  He was also 2nd in dingers.  A whole 22.  His average was pretty solid, but he just didn't wow anyone.  We kept waiting for that outburst.  Sucked when it came at the end of the season, a mini one at that, when everyone else wasn't producing at the plate and we saw the division slip off into Cleveland.  He wants to cash in while he's under 30.  Good luck to him.  I really did appreciate him though until he had that atrocious comment of going into the mall and going to Dior, etc.  That made him sound terrible.

I'm not excited about SS this year until, praying he's healthy and can still do his thing, Royce comes back.  Brooks Lee sounds like a 3B from what I hear, although I still don't get that.  Wander Javier has a 0.5% chance of helping us in an impactful way at SS.  Julien sounds like 2B.  Nick Gordon?  I'm on board with that.  Let him sink or swim.  He sinks, he goes back to super utility.  He swims, then we let the little squirt fly solo for a season at SS while Royce refurbishes.

[MGM4706]

Palacious a better option? Kidding right? Did you watch any games? He was over matched on almost every at bat. Looked like an A ball player!!

Doesnt matter who Twins get if they don't get an ACE! Have you watched the playoffs? Professional Pitchers going 7-8 innings! That's why those teams are in the playoffs and Twins are sitting!! Simple!!

[Dave The Dastardly]

1 hour ago, MGM4706 said:

Palacious a better option? Kidding right? Did you watch any games? He was over matched on almost every at bat. Looked like an A ball player!!

Doesnt matter who Twins get if they don't get an ACE! Have you watched the playoffs? Professional Pitchers going 7-8 innings! That's why those teams are in the playoffs and Twins are sitting!! Simple!!

Oh yeah? Well our guys are more rested.

[Mike Sixel]

10 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

There’s no reason the Twins should not be in on one of the top 4 short stop free agents. 

Agreed. Who else are they going to pay any time soon? In a year, will they have anyone even making ten million other than Buxton? Kepler will be gone. So the veteran pitchers, gone. Polanco doesn't make that. 

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, Beast said:

Just fold this franchise.  My God.

We should have like $60 million to spend and we’re clamoring for “cheap options” and Iglesias?

What the point?  Do fans think they get bonus points for takes like that?  It sure as heck isn’t going to win baseball games.

We’ve been playing this “get cheap options and wait for someone” game for like two decades now.  It’s gotten us a bunch of crap teams and a world record for playoff incompetency.  On top of it, our farm system stinks right now.  What the hell is there to lose?

Its like some weird baseball masochism that’s unique to Twins fans.     They should start giving away gimp masks as promotions at the games

This is one article.... They have spent the most ever the last few years. 

[Rosterman]

Wander Javier will be the stopgap!

[USAFChief]

Signing Iglesias to play SS is roughly the equivalent of signing Matt Shoemaker to be in your rotation.

 

It'll do nothing to help you win, but somebody has to stand out there.

[dxpavelka]

Offer Correa 5 years $193 million.  Incorporate a conversation with the new owner at 601 N 1st AV regarding the virtues of moving to a different position when (if) Lewis is ready.