Who Will Be the Twins' Opening Day DH?

[Nick Nelson]

The Twins traded Luis Arraez, in part, because he was functionally redundant with the makeup of their roster and position player mix.

However, his departure does leave a clear hole in the projected regular starting lineup. How will they fill it?

Image courtesy of Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

 

On March 30th in Kansas City, the Twins will kick off their season against the Royals and presumably a right-handed starter (Brady Singer?). Prior to last week's Pablo López trade, the most likely Opening Day lineup for Minnesota would have featured Alex Kirilloff at first base, José Miranda at third base, and Luis Arraez at designated hitter. 

Now, they'll need to find another way to fill that last spot.

In some ways, the question feels rather unimportant; it's just one game, and the Twins are likely to rotate different players like Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Miranda through the DH spot frequently. There doesn't necessarily need to be a "primary" guy at the position, and indeed we saw this play out last year in the absence of Nelson Cruz, with 10 different players getting distributed starts at DH.

However, trying to figure out who Rocco Baldelli will write in at designated hitter against a right-handed pitcher on Opening Day will tell us a great deal about the current state of the roster, the quality of the 'A lineup,' and the decisions (or opportunities) that still lie ahead.

INTERNAL OPTIONS

If the Twins don't make any more significant additions to the mix (which I rather doubt), here are the options in play to handle DH on Opening Day, and on a semi-regular basis against righties:

Nick Gordon

Gordon is probably the simplest default answer, in that he will assuredly be on the roster and won't have a designated starting position. He slashed .289/.329/.465 against right-handed pitchers last year so he's definitely a viable threat versus someone like Singer but ... the wiry utility man would be an odd fit as designated hitter on Opening Day, or as the regular plug there. Last year, he made zero starts at DH.

Trevor Larnach

I think Larnach is by far the best fit as lefty-swinging DH option for the Twins, so long as he is on the roster. At the moment, it's not totally clear he will be. If the club is carrying Joey Gallo, Max Kepler, Kirilloff and Gordon, is there room for a fifth lefty-swinging corner guy? Maybe – especially if they treat Larnach as more of a regular DH and Gordon more as the fourth outfielder. But Larnach is still developing and the Twins need to be thoughtful about getting him consistent action.

Matt Wallner

Similar to Larnach, Wallner is victimized by the backlog of lefty corner outfielders. Since he's behind (a healthy) Larnach in line, his path to claiming this role is even more obstructed. Trading Kepler would create a much clearer path for either to carve out an immediate spot on the big-league roster.

Edouard Julien 

The emergence of Julien was likely a major factor in the front office's willingness to deal Arraez. Julien is quite similar in profile: a lefty-hitting infielder with excellent OBP skills and no clear defensive fit. If the Twins wanted to replace some semblance of what Arraez brought to the table in the DH spot, this would be the route. It would also be pretty aggressive, as the 23-year-old Julien has yet to play above Double-A (where he slashed a ridiculous .332/.465/.566 vs. RHP last year). If the Twins keep their current personnel and hold an open competition at DH this spring, I could see Julien claiming the gig, drawing most of the DH starts against righties while Buxton, Correa, and Miranda fill in against lefties. 

Alex Kirilloff

I'm including Kirilloff in this list because he would theoretically be a logical fit as DH against right-handers. He'll probably get the occasional look there. But I think the Twins view him as by far their best defensive first baseman. If his wrist is good enough to swing, it's good enough to play first base, and that's where they'll want him on Opening Day and most days. 

EXTERNAL OPTIONS

None of the above options would be bad, per se. But for the Twins to go one of those routes would feel like leaving an opportunity on the table – opportunity to add one more potential impact veteran bat, and a player who could be useful in additional ways. 

Here are a few options that stand out to me as potential late-offseason additions capable of upgrading the Twins' lineup and helping fill in at DH with Arraez gone.

Yuli Gurriel

He was a longtime fixture at first base for the Astros, and preceded Arraez as AL batting champ in 2021. He's also 38 and struggled to an 84 OPS+ this past season, which is why he's still trying to land a contract at this stage of the offseason. Gurriel is a righty hitter, so he doesn't quite fit the bill as a masher to rotate in against RHP, but his splits are fairly neutral. The hope here would be that his bat rebounds, while his contending experience (including 85 career postseason games) and veteran presence combine to deliver a "Nelson Cruz Lite" impact. Interestingly, the Twins have reportedly shown interest in Gurriel of late.

Robbie Grossman

Our old friend spent three seasons with the Twins (2016-18), accruing a .266/.371/.400 slash line, which is basically Arraez with fewer singles. He's since spent time with Oakland, Detroit, and Atlanta, struggling last year to a .622 OPS. He maintained his usual patience, and the switch-hitting 33-year-old would represent a cheap rebound bet. (In 2020-21 he had a 118 OPS+.) This is the kind of modest gamble the Twins could afford – so long as they're willing to cut the cord relatively quickly if it's not working – because they have so many fallback options in place.

Jurickson Profar

In terms of the role we're discussing here, this is probably the biggest splash the Twins could realistically make. Profar is one of the best remaining free agents on the market, coming off a 2.5 fWAR season in San Diego. He's an intriguing fit for the Twins as a switch-hitter with defensive versatility. Profar also has ties to Thad Levine from his days in Texas. An acquisition of this magnitude would really put a bow on the offseason, but you wonder if Minnesota's realistically willing to offer enough guaranteed money or playing time to sway the 29-year-old.

Miguel Sanó

Look, there would be no risk in signing Sanó to a minor-league contract and seeing what he's got in spring training, if he's not getting bites elsewhere. A version of the big slugger that even approximates his career 116 OPS+ would be useful to the Twins as a part-time DH and starter at first against lefties. No one wants to hear it anymore but Sanó was actually hitting the ball reasonably well in 2022, despite the paltry production before a knee injury ended his season. While skill sets like his tend to degrade more quickly, I'm not convinced he's cooked.

Franmil Reyes

This would be similar to the Sanó gamble, except with a fresh face and less all the baggage. Reyes was of course a highly touted young slugger when Cleveland acquired him from San Diego in 2019, but he's stagnated and regressed after some early success. Alas, Reyes is only 27 and has a .251/.313/.470 career slash line. Why not? As recently as 2021 he launched 30 homers in 121 games with an .846 OPS.

Luke Voit

Voit would represent a lower-upside but higher-floor variation of the above two suggestions. The Twins wouldn't be banking so much on a rebound because he wasn't bad in 2022, he was just himself: a plodding righty slugger who will strike out a bunch and hit some home runs, translating to average-ish production overall. He definitely belongs at DH but can fill in at first base occasionally.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone on the free agent or trade market stand out as a strong fit to you? Or are you more interested in going with internal options?

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[Cris E]

I'll do it.  Let me try to get the day off and then I'll let you know for sure. 

[tony&rodney]

The DH spot sure looks like it may be based on what occurs in Spring Training. Guys like Martin, Larnach, and Wallner need to play consistently. Each might work if they prove themselves ready. Julien is someone the staff will be watching because if he gets real comfortable facing the best pitchers, using him as a DH won't stall his development. If I had to guess today, I would say Gordon and then Larnach. 

[TwinsGM]

Why isn't anyone talking about Michael Helman being a right handed option this year?  He can play almost every position except catcher but hits for power, draws walks, steals bases, etc. 

[rwilfong86]

Wallner or Larnach would be my early guess. 

[FlyingFinn]

26 minutes ago, TwinsGM said:

Why isn't anyone talking about Michael Helman being a right handed option this year?  He can play almost every position except catcher but hits for power, draws walks, steals bases, etc. 

The Twins kept him off the 40 man all last year and he passed through the Rule 5 draft. I like him too, I just don't think the Twins feel he is ready. They wouldn't be going after Gurriel, McCutcheon and others if they did.

[Mike Sixel]

39 minutes ago, rwilfong86 said:

Waller or Larnach would be my early guess. 

Those are my choices. I think Wallner is legit.

[PatPfund]

I get the attraction of a new name, but one of the reasons I think Luis was a potential trade asset was to open space with a glut of potential bats on the horizon (some of whom might displace Miranda at 3b, namely Lewis or Lee). Adding somebody in this slot is akin to signing Wacha or another end-of-career person who keeps ready players from stepping up (hitting on the one hand, pitching on the other). This shifts a bit if they move Kepler (which won't bring back an MLB player, but opens an OF slot (for a prospect if not a signee like Profar), but I'd rather they sign Fulmer to bolster the 'pen, and start the year with internal hitting options.

[Muppet]

Glad I haven’t seen Gallo on anyone’s list. I’m betting it’s gonna be Gallo. 

[Squirrel]

Miranda could be a possibility if Farmer starts at 3rd with Kirilloff at 1B

[MTV]

I think that the Twins shouldn’t be done w/ Miami, I like how Garrett Cooper/Joey Wendle fit into this lineup. I’d prefer Cooper as a RH 1B/DH/Emergency OF option, plus he offers serious upside w/ the bat. Maybe a 1-for-1 swap with Kep would work?

[JD-TWINS]

Larnach - Gallo would seem to be the obvious LH batting DH candidates against a Righty.

If Kepler is traded, then Gallo is in right. Larnach is at DH.

Kirilof at 1B. If he’s not able to play - Gallo may be at 1st regularly. Again, Larnach is the DH.

I still really think the F.O. is committed to trading Kepler with some others around him. I believe the F.O./organization will be committed to Nick Gordon as an outfielder. He starts in LF in our “A Line-up” & plays a bunch of CF against RH pitching Rocco wants Buxton to have no part of………when Buxton rests. Also, he sees action in CF when Buxton DH’s.

[JD-TWINS]

Buxton - Miranda are the RH hitting DH candidates against Lefty pitching.

CC will probably get 10 games at DH throughout the year.

Garlick still has a chance to make the Roster. With a little bit of success Garlick may get some DH opportunities against LH starters

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, TwinsGM said:

Why isn't anyone talking about Michael Helman being a right handed option this year?  He can play almost every position except catcher but hits for power, draws walks, steals bases, etc. 

I don't think he showed enough with the bat at AAA yet to earn him a major league roster spot - he turns 27 in May so the clock is definitely ticking for him.  And his all-around abilities won't get a chance to shine if he's slotted at DH (the subject of this article).

[RaoulDuke]

I think they are hoping Larnach or Wallner claim a Mlb spot in the spring and then they can cycle through everyone at DH.  There is a lot of positional flexibility with Farmer/ Gordon/ Miranda/ Kirilloff/ and Kepler/ Gallo maybe taking a day in center here and there.  DH is the half work day to keep defenders fresh and bats in the lineup.

That being said I wouldn't mind a cheap Reyes or Gurriel signing but they shouldn't be full time or have a long leash.  In the end they are playing the Garlic role as lefty masher.

 

 

[AlGoreRythm]

13 hours ago, Muppet said:

Glad I haven’t seen Gallo on anyone’s list. I’m betting it’s gonna be Gallo. 

Gallo is a Gold Glove caliber corner outfielder. It would be foolish of them to DH him and not take advantage of the half of his game that isn't all or nothing.

[rwilfong86]

8 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Those are my choices. I think Wallner is legit.

I like what he showed last season, he hit everywhere he played.

[Karbo]

IMHO the signing of Profar or even Guriel makes a lot of sense. Either one would look good when facing lefties, and they both can also hit righties. Time will tell, but I think last season was just an off year for Guriel, or perhaps he had some kind of nagging injury. Thats what physicals are for though right?

[HrbieFan]

8 hours ago, Muppet said:

Glad I haven’t seen Gallo on anyone’s list. I’m betting it’s gonna be Gallo. 

One of his only values is his defense, I would be surprised if he isn't the opening day RF.

Would Sano entertain an incentive loaded minor league contract, if that is even allowed? Love Miguel when he is on, but those days have been dwindling 

[Stew]

I'm not sure weather we look for one of those options or weather we  explore some kind of trade possibility. We are thinking of trading Kepler. We also could include farmer who was just brought in for insurance. I would also think that pagain could be included. That wouldn't be enough to get a star, but maybe a slightly better option than the names mentioned. I do think there are teams that needed a shortstop that tried to get one of the premium ones early and missed out. Farmer may have had ok value to them had the twins not signed him before the best ones were gone. Or we could use our trade material to upgrade our bullpen. We will see which way they go.

[Major League Ready]

It would be easier to identify the guys that won't DH.  Other than Farmer and Jeffers, just about everyone could get at least a few games at DH.  Gallo gets a few DH days if he is playing like he did in 2019 or 2021.  2022 Joey Gallo is only in the lineup when he is playing in the OF.

[rwilfong86]

49 minutes ago, Stew said:

I'm not sure weather we look for one of those options or weather we  explore some kind of trade possibility. We are thinking of trading Kepler. We also could include farmer who was just brought in for insurance. I would also think that pagain could be included. That wouldn't be enough to get a star, but maybe a slightly better option than the names mentioned. I do think there are teams that needed a shortstop that tried to get one of the premium ones early and missed out. Farmer may have had ok value to them had the twins not signed him before the best ones were gone. Or we could use our trade material to upgrade our bullpen. We will see which way they go.

I would hope if they trade someone like Kepler it would be for bullpen depth.

[specialiststeve]

Kinda stunned you missed the obvious.. 

Polanco and Buxton... Both should share the DH Roll as both have ongoing physical issues. Want to keep their bats in the line up while keeping them hopefully healthy.. this would be the best way. 

[MABB1959]

I would love a designated DH.  I loved Cruz as that option.  To me a DH is a position where you have a good chance of seeing a homerun.  Not just putting any player out there. 

[Otaknam]

11 hours ago, TwinsGM said:

Why isn't anyone talking about Michael Helman being a right handed option this year?  He can play almost every position except catcher but hits for power, draws walks, steals bases, etc. 

 

7 minutes ago, MABB1959 said:

I would love a designated DH.  I loved Cruz as that option.  To me a DH is a position where you have a good chance of seeing a homerun.  Not just putting any player out there. 

Because he hasn’t played much, if at all, the the bigs. 

[Otaknam]

Rotating Miranda, Correa and Buxton into DH makes sense. A lefty hitting outfielder, likely Kepler because of the money,  needs to be traded before adding anyone. I think that’s coming.

[Nine of twelve]

I agree with Mankato, that there will be multiple players DHing, which to me is a good thing. Among the many factors are: who needs a day off from playing in the field, and/or who in the lineup is least-skilled as a fielder, and/or whether a LH or RH DH is desired, and/or whether a particular player does well against a particular pitcher. This all means that it's pretty insignificant which player happens to wind up as DH on opening day.

[umterp23]

There have been multiple negatives that Miranda isn't good on defense and is a bat-first young kid and that Lewis, Lee, etc are better.  They might very well be. With that being said why not go back to the Marlins and offer the following below. Farmer can play 3rd and we can dump Pagan at the same time.

[saviking]

Please don't sign anymore position players. It will only set back the young players development in the majors. If we do, the Saints will be unbeatable 😄

[Seth Stohs]

12 hours ago, TwinsGM said:

Why isn't anyone talking about Michael Helman being a right handed option this year?  He can play almost every position except catcher but hits for power, draws walks, steals bases, etc. 

The Arraez trade gives Helman a much better opportunity to come up as a utility player, for sure. But probably not as a regular DH. He's made himself into a legitimate future utility type.