Ranking the Twins Offseason Moves

[Cody Christie]

Minnesota has made seven significant moves so far this off-season, and each one will impact the roster differently in 2023. Here's how the team's moves rank so far.

Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the winter, fans will react differently to any transaction the club makes, from significant acquisitions to prospects left off the 40-man roster. Teams can trade away fan-favorite players or sign free agents to multi-million dollar deals. There are no guarantees in baseball, and the Twins front office has left themselves open to praise or criticism depending on the long-term outcome of these moves. On paper, the Twins have improved and added depth throughout the roster, which projects to have the team back in playoff contention. 

7. Trading Gio Urshela for Alejandro Hidalgo
According to Baseball Reference, Urshela provided the fourth-most WAR on the team in 2022. One of the keys to his value was that he tied Luis Arraez for the team lead with 144 games played. Minnesota traded him to the Angels for Alejandro Hidalgo, a 19-year-old pitcher with a career 4.64 ERA in 17 appearances. Urshela is in his last arbitration season, and the Twins were ready to give Jose Miranda the starting job at third base. It's at the bottom of the list because the trade return was minimal.

6. Signing Joey Gallo to a 1-year, $11 million deal
The Twins front office thinks Gallo can return to his previous form, but it will take time to know if signing him was the correct decision. Last season, Gallo hit just .160/.280/.357 (.638) with 19 home runs and 163 strikeouts in 126 games. He was an All-Star in 2021, leading the AL with 111 walks while hitting 38 home runs. Gallo is a multi-time All-Star and has won two Gold Gloves, but there is no guarantee he will return to that level in 2023. 

5. Trading Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk for Michael A. Taylor
Many thought the Twins were in the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder on the free agent market. The Twins decided to go in a different direction and traded for one of baseball's best outfield defenders. On paper, it seems like a solid plan to use Taylor for games when Buxton is not available to play in the field. He can bat at the bottom of the line-up and help the pitching staff on the defensive side. This move has the potential to be a sneaky-good move for the Twins, especially if it helps Buxton play over 100 games. 

4. Trading Casey Legumina for Kyle Farmer
Adding Farmer helped the Twins establish a floor for their middle infield this winter. If Correa signed elsewhere, Farmer would likely take over the starting shortstop role until Royce Lewis returned in the second half. Instead, Farmer can shift to a utility role that suits his skill set. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged over 145 games per season while playing every infield position. He's not a player to get excited about, but fans will come to appreciate what he adds to the roster. 

3. Trading Luis Arraez for Pablo Lopez, Jose Salas, and Byron Chourio
It was tough for the front office to trade away Luis Arraez, a fan favorite, but the return helps the team in the short- and long term. Lopez adds depth to the starting rotation, especially with injury concerns tied to multiple arms. Arraez's 2022 season showcased his peak value, but there is little upside in a first baseman with little to no power. The Twins also received two prospects in the deal, including one that already ranks in the team's top 10 prospects. Minnesota needs Lopez to be the pitcher he was in 2022, and it will be a bonus if either prospect is a regular at the big-league level.

2. Signing Christian Vazquez to a 3-year, $30 million deal
The Twins had to improve behind the plate, and Vazquez should help to solidify one of baseball's most important positions. He's been on multiple World Series teams and has caught over 1,900 innings over the last two seasons. Minnesota will be relying on some young pitchers in the coming years, and Vazquez can be a veteran presence to help usher them into their big-league careers. Adding Vazquez was a move the Twins had to make, and that's why it ranks so high on this list. 

1. Signing Carlos Correa to a 6-year, $200 million deal
No other transaction will define the Twins franchise more over the next decade than signing Correa... the second time. He is one of baseball's best two-way players and has the rare ability to impact nearly all facets of the game. Minnesota saw what he provided on and off the field, so they were eager for him to return, even with questions about his ankle. Fans may have yet to fully embrace Correa because it looked like his Twins tenure would be short-lived. Now, there is a chance he will end his career in Minnesota, and that's something for fans to enjoy. 

How would you rank this winter's moves? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

 

 

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[mikelink45]

1 -3 look really good, 4 - 5 are okay, but have to play out to see if we broke even, 6 - 7 belong on the bottom of your list.  Good job with this. 

Where do you put the Paddock extension? I have it at 4.  

Trading Urshela still makes no sense to me.  Signing Pagan at 3.5Million (bottom of the list).  

[Oldtimer]

If we get the Lopez of 22 and the Galo of 21, we're in for an exciting season..

[Nashvilletwin]

#7 and #4 were kinda the same deal - could be looked at together. After the Correa signing and Arraez trade were executed, replacing Urshela with Farmer seems like a bad move for a team that is very committed to winning now.

IMHO, the Arraez trade was necessary because of a) Mahle’s poor health projection and b) the unlikelihood that any of Mahle, Gray or Maeda will be extended (by our choice or theirs). The fact that the Marlins threw in two upside prospects gives me a sinking feeling about Lopez.  Hope I’m wrong.

#5 and #6 were just plain dumb. Sisk will turn out to be of much higher value in the future than Taylor. 

 

[Karbo]

I take issue saying "there's little upside" when talking about Arraez at 1B. When a guy gets on base at the rate he does, IMO that's upside, especially when you factor in that this FO has structured the team to be a HR hitting team. Dougie M. didn't hit for much power either yet he was a stable at 1st for a few years. I'm going to miss Arraez  as he was the most entertaining guy on the team.

[Sean.h]

I like 1-5 quite a bit.

Adding a righty outfielder who plays premium defense? Nice.

Adding a kepler replica when there is already a glut of lefty outfielders? and paying 11M to do so? not so much. But I understand the move has upside.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm 100% behind you Cody. the rating is based on our need & how they are fulfilled.       #1 need our starting SS hole- Correa filled that need quite nicely                                           #2 need our starting catcher hole- Vazquez filled that hole                                                   #3 need our SP need- Lopez cleared the Gray line                                                                   #4 need  INF depth- Farmer can play anywhere including catcher, we could use him         #5 need Buxton replacement upgrade- Taylor elite defense is welcomed                            #6 need Gallo ?- maybe 1B with a lot of hope that he'll come out his funk unlike Sano      #7 need ?- Give Miranda a chance to blossom. 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

I agree with the way you rated these transactions.

I think we need to make sure we don't downplay the importance of #4 and #5 (and #6 really as well).  The days of every position playing 150+ games are over.  Having solid depth guys come in and play multiple positions is a huge gain for this team.  Raising the floor does matter. 

[roger]

Their signing three catchers with major league experience to minor league deals should be mentioned.  It is probable one of their catchers will get injured at some point this summer.  When that happens, one of the three will be called up to play some of the time.  Prior to that, they will be valuable while working with the young pitchers in St. Paul.  I hoped they would sign one veteran to this role, am surprised they signed three.

[EGFTShaw]

First off, a disclaimer, I am not a GM or President of Baseball Operations, I have not played one on TV and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

That said.
Can't quibble with these rankings.

The only one I find questionable is Gallo.  I would still have that above #7 at #6.

What I don't understand about Gallo is their thoughts behind it.  I said with Kepler/Gallo we had 2 good outfielders and 1 good bat. 😆

I guess if we have been taking flyers on pitchers why not on an outfielder who plays 2 positions for optimal flexibility.  Top rated defensive fielder.  If his bat comes around, lordy, lordy.

I would rank Paddock extension as 7th, push the 7th to 8th.

I miss Arraez, but we did it right.
 

[ashbury]

Hard to rank moves because the size of the move may be smallish but executed well.  I like both the Taylor and Farmer trades - acquiring low-cost, solid, unspectacular veterans for what seems like a pittance.  Those two will earn $10M salary combined, or a little more than what Urshela will get in arbitration (I haven't seen an announcement for him yet).  The combination of the three trades moves the talent from "corner" to "up the middle," and deserves congratulations even if the big-ticket moves get more attention.

[Seth Stohs]

2 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

#5 and #6 were just plain dumb. Sisk will turn out to be of much higher value in the future than Taylor. 

 

What is the value of a LOOGY in today's 3-batter minimum game? 

[Seth Stohs]

Where would you rank the addition of Nick Paparesta as the team's head athletic trainer? 

I honestly think that might be #2 for me. 

[farmerguychris]

49 minutes ago, EGFTShaw said:

First off, a disclaimer, I am not a GM or President of Baseball Operations, I have not played on TV and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

That said.
Can't quibble with these rankings.

The only one I find questionable is Gallo.  I would still have that above #7 at #6.

What I don't understand about Gallo is their thoughts behind it.  I said with Kepler/Gallo we had 2 good outfielders and 1 good bat. 😆

I guess if we have been taking flyers on pitchers why not on an outfielder who plays 2 positions for optimal flexibility.  Top rated defensive fielder.  If his bat comes around, lordy, lordy.

I would rank Paddock extension as 7th, push the 7th to 8th.

I miss Arraez, but we did it right.
 

As a person sitting in a Holiday Inn Express as I type this, I find your comments quite accurate.  I only hope we can solve that 2 OF with 1 bat comment by trading Kepler for a stud relief pitcher who can go at least 2 innings.  I think that type of trade would fit up in the top half of these rankings.

[Nashvilletwin]

12 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

What is the value of a LOOGY in today's 3-batter minimum game? 

Good point as always Seth -  but good arms are always at a premium and another light hitting likely one year defensive specialist in our outfield is redundant. Gordon earned the ABs that Taylor and Gallo and Kepler will be taking.  So, yeah, I liked Sisk, we already have enough D and not enough O in our outfield, and I wanted to see Gordon get the opportunity he earned.  That’s why I though it was dumb.  

[EGFTShaw]

13 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

Where would you rank the addition of Nick Paparesta as the team's head athletic trainer? 

I honestly think that might be #2 for me. 

Ooooohhhhhh, Oooohhhh 

I forgot about this, no lower than a 3, but most likely a 2 or even a 1.5...and I seriously love we got C4 back...that's how much I hope the new trainer impacts the soft tissue issues many had last year.

[rv78]

Agree with #7 especially since the Twins got Farmer.   #6 should be ranked #99. Absolutely one of the worst moves that has ever been made by the Twins organization. Maybe Gallo's worth something defensively but I don't see where $10+M more above a Wallner or Larnach at league minimum will be money well spent. If Kepler is still around that makes 2 holes in the lineup. I guess I'll hope he makes me eat crow but I'd bet against it.  #5 Imagine if you will the Twins having a center-fielder that doesn't require two players. One that can actually play an entire season. This nescessity is of their own making and acquiring a Taylor wouldn't need to be done if they wouldn't have extended Mr. Injured Yearly.   #4 Farmer is a good utility player that will help all over.   #3 verdict is.... we'll see. Giving up a batting champ for something less than an Ace is tough to swallow. If Lopez stays a solid #2 and they can extend him for 2 or 3 more seasons then I'd agree.  #2 Absolutely a good move getting Vazquez. I wanted him at the deadline last year instead he went to the Astros.  #1 Correa was their best signing and let's just say they got lucky at that. Only time will tell if he ends up being worth it. There's a lot of reasons to like him and a lot of reasons not to. 

[miracleb]

Nashvilletwin  1,728o, Seth Stohs said:

What is the value of a LOOGY in today's 3-batter minimum game? 

Good point as always Seth -  but good arms are always at a premium and another light hitting likely one year defensive specialist in our outfield is redundant. Gordon earned the ABs that Taylor and Gallo and Kepler will be taking.  So, yeah, I liked Sisk, we already have enough D and not enough O in our outfield, and I wanted to see Gordon get the opportunity he earned.  That’s why I though it was dumb. 

**************

Agree with Nashville here!  Simmons and Florimon were all-star "caliber" at shortstop but couldn't hit.....so we ran them out of town!  Taylor is in the same boat for me.  Gallo or Kepler can handle centerfield once in awhile.  This will just take the bat out of Larnach or..... (gasp) ...Gordon!  LOL!

[puckstopper1]

What??  The massive trade to for A.J. Alexy didn't make the list? 

Was it because the White Sox claimed him on waivers early this week.... 😆

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, rv78 said:

Agree with #7 especially since the Twins got Farmer.   #6 should be ranked #99. Absolutely one of the worst moves that has ever been made by the Twins organization. Maybe Gallo's worth something defensively but I don't see where $10+M more above a Wallner or Larnach at league minimum will be money well spent. If Kepler is still around that makes 2 holes in the lineup. I guess I'll hope he makes me eat crow but I'd bet against it.  #5 Imagine if you will the Twins having a center-fielder that doesn't require two players. One that can actually play an entire season. This nescessity is of their own making and acquiring a Taylor wouldn't need to be done if they wouldn't have extended Mr. Injured Yearly.   #4 Farmer is a good utility player that will help all over.   #3 verdict is.... we'll see. Giving up a batting champ for something less than an Ace is tough to swallow. If Lopez stays a solid #2 and they can extend him for 2 or 3 more seasons then I'd agree.  #2 Absolutely a good move getting Vazquez. I wanted him at the deadline last year instead he went to the Astros.  #1 Correa was their best signing and let's just say they got lucky at that. Only time will tell if he ends up being worth it. There's a lot of reasons to like him and a lot of reasons not to. 

A 1 year deal for $11M just can't possibly be a horrible move because it just can't hurt the team all that bad.   Signing Jacoby Ellsbury or Chris Davis.  Those are horrible deals that hurt the team for several years.  This just does not matter.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

4 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

Where would you rank the addition of Nick Paparesta as the team's head athletic trainer? 

I honestly think that might be #2 for me. 

This one is hard for me.  Without having any inside knowledge, it is hard to know if the Twins injury issues were the result of Michael Salazar's decisions, bad luck, or some combination of both.  I initially saw this move as optics, with Salazar being the fall-guy.  I really haven't heard anything to change that view.

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

#7 and #4 were kinda the same deal - could be looked at together. After the Correa signing and Arraez trade were executed, replacing Urshela with Farmer seems like a bad move for a team that is very committed to winning now.

IMHO, the Arraez trade was necessary because of a) Mahle’s poor health projection and b) the unlikelihood that any of Mahle, Gray or Maeda will be extended (by our choice or theirs). The fact that the Marlins threw in two upside prospects gives me a sinking feeling about Lopez.  Hope I’m wrong.

#5 and #6 were just plain dumb. Sisk will turn out to be of much higher value in the future than Taylor. 

 

The Urshela deal was done first. Trading him & shedding $10 million and replacing him with the Farmer trade, at half the money makes perfect sense to me. Farmer was the Reds starting shortstop & is now our Utility guy. Miranda is taking Gio’s spot at 3rd……Farmer might be there 50 games this year so Miranda can play 1B v. LH pitching & to get some rest. Farmer will get 25 games at 2B & 20 games at SS.

Taylor is a one year value guy! He will start in 30 games against LH starters ………..maybe another 30 Against RH starter, not as effective  but necessary. Taylor will pinch hit against lefty relievers & pinch run occasionally & late inning defensive replacement often!

Marlins really. wanted Arráez & we pushed to maximize return!

[Rik19753]

8 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

#7 and #4 were kinda the same deal - could be looked at together. After the Correa signing and Arraez trade were executed, replacing Urshela with Farmer seems like a bad move for a team that is very committed to winning now.

Sure, Urshela is the better overall player, but Farmer is a better SS. And I think that is all that mattered to the FO. if they had Urshela and not Farmer, and if, god forbid, Correa were to get injured, it would be Gordon, Polanco, or Urshela filling in. Heck, they don't even have Palacios anymore. So that move was necessary.

 

Also, it is debatable whether Urshela is actually superior to Farmer. Farmer has 3.3 WAR in his last 2 seasons, whereas Urhsela has 3.1. 

[Beast]

I’d put the Arraez trade above signing Vasquez.  Maybe even #1.

Various outlets analyzing the values exchanged in that trade say the Twins fleeced the Marlins.  They got a quality young starter with All-Star upside, a top 100 prospect, and another promising throw-in for a guy that can’t hit for power, can’t play defense, can’t run, can’t get through a season healthy, and plays the least “premium” position in baseball where we have a massive surplus.

Im also of the opinion that his hit tool (“average”) has been exaggerated.  It’s not like the guy hits .340 like Gwynn and prime Mauer.  He hit below .300 in 2021 and .317 in 2022.  Thats very good, but people have somehow warped that into some sort of generational talent.

I absolutely love that move from a baseball standpoint.  I know many don’t agree, but that’s how I see it.

[JD-TWINS]

6 hours ago, farmerguychris said:

As a person sitting in a Holiday Inn Express as I type this, I find your comments quite accurate.  I only hope we can solve that 2 OF with 1 bat comment by trading Kepler for a stud relief pitcher who can go at least 2 innings.  I think that type of trade would fit up in the top half of these rankings.

There is no trade of Kepler for a stud relief pitcher. TD writers have covered nearly any practical trade for Kepler & we need to send additional prospects in any assumed scenarios.

I too assumed Kepler trade immediately after the Gallo signing. Still did until Monday……. now, after really considering Kirilof - Buxton - Kepler - Larnach’s injury history’s, it actually makes sense to go into the year with Gallo able to play either corner OF spot & 1B. Kepler able to play RF daily. Buxton playing 80-90 games in centerfield…..Taylor/Gordon splitting the other 70 games in CF. Gallo - Gordon - Larnach splitting time in LF.

Max is much better in a need for depth if a couple guys get hurt than having to dip to Celestino or Walner from St Paul.

Either he or Joey has to go to a “team in need” at the trade deadline. Lewis & other options available by then.

[rv78]

3 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

A 1 year deal for $11M just can't possibly be a horrible move because it just can't hurt the team all that bad.   Signing Jacoby Ellsbury or Chris Davis.  Those are horrible deals that hurt the team for several years.  This just does not matter.

When did the Twins sign Ellsbury and Davis? I must have missed that.

It matters if Gallo keeps Larnach or Wallner or Gordon from getting significant at bats especially if they are hitting much better than Gallo. It matters if the FO would have used the money for Gallo and added a few million more to it for a player that would actually be able to hit. Had they signed him at 1 or 2 million I would have no problem with it. It's as if they looked at bringing back Sano for $14M and decided no, Gallo is just as bad and he's only $11M so we'll save $3M if we go with him instead. No matter how I look at it, it was a waste of at least $10M when Larnach, Wallner and Gordon would/could be just as productive for league minimum. 

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

The Urshela deal was done first. Trading him & shedding $10 million and replacing him with the Farmer trade, at half the money makes perfect sense to me. Farmer was the Reds starting shortstop & is now our Utility guy. Miranda is taking Gio’s spot at 3rd……Farmer might be there 50 games this year so Miranda can play 1B v. LH pitching & to get some rest. Farmer will get 25 games at 2B & 20 games at SS.

Taylor is a one year value guy! He will start in 30 games against LH starters ………..maybe another 30 Against RH starter, not as effective  but necessary. Taylor will pinch hit against lefty relievers & pinch run occasionally & late inning defensive replacement often!

Marlins really. wanted Arráez & we pushed to maximize return!

Yes, I understand/know the timing of the Urshela deal.  I’m assuming the Twins replaced Gio with Farmer in anticipation of/hedge against not resigning CC.  Now that that happened and we also dealt Arraez, I personally would prefer Gio’s better bat - we will need it. But, yes, I agree the Gio/Farmer exchange was smart when it happened, but with how CC and Arraez turned out, the value is less IMHO. Oh, btw, if we are counting money ($10MM in savings), please see Gallo for $11MM - talk about bidding against ourselves (I wonder what the cover bid was on him, lol).

Miranda will get his shot at 3B, but given the rumours about Kiriloff, he could be getting many more innings at 1B - which is good because when Lewis, Lee and Julien show up that’s going to be his position if he wants to get meaningful innings in the field. 

Gordon earned those innings and ABs that Taylor is going to take. Gordon also is ascending and Taylor has plateaued or is descending.  I’d prefer to have us invest in Gordon.  It’s also a trade off between a little better glove and a little better bat. Besides, it’s hard to get to excited as a fan about these meh one year rentals - I’d prefer to at least imagine that any emotional connection I invest will make it to at least next year, let alone past the trade deadline.  

[dxpavelka]

9 hours ago, Karbo said:

I take issue saying "there's little upside" when talking about Arraez at 1B. When a guy gets on base at the rate he does, IMO that's upside, especially when you factor in that this FO has structured the team to be a HR hitting team. Dougie M. didn't hit for much power either yet he was a stable at 1st for a few years. I'm going to miss Arraez  as he was the most entertaining guy on the team.

The most entertaining guy on the team will be working out for scouts in Tampa next week.

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, Beast said:

I’d put the Arraez trade above signing Vasquez.  Maybe even #1.

Various outlets analyzing the values exchanged in that trade say the Twins fleeced the Marlins.  They got a quality young starter with All-Star upside, a top 100 prospect, and another promising throw-in for a guy that can’t hit for power, can’t play defense, can’t run, can’t get through a season healthy, and plays the least “premium” position in baseball where we have a massive surplus.

Im also of the opinion that his hit tool (“average”) has been exaggerated.  It’s not like the guy hits .340 like Gwynn and prime Mauer.  He hit below .300 in 2021 and .317 in 2022.  Thats very good, but people have somehow warped that into some sort of generational talent.

I absolutely love that move from a baseball standpoint.  I know many don’t agree, but that’s how I see it.

.366 BA with RISP in ‘22 

.314 BA over 4 yr career (hit .291 in ‘21 - come on)

Played 144 games last year

10 other guys in MLB hit .300 or better in ‘22 - seemed the highest BA in a group that big is special 

[JD-TWINS]

24 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yes, I understand/know the timing of the Urshela deal.  I’m assuming the Twins replaced Gio with Farmer in anticipation of/hedge against not resigning CC.  Now that that happened and we also dealt Arraez, I personally would prefer Gio’s better bat - we will need it. But, yes, I agree the Gio/Farmer exchange was smart when it happened, but with how CC and Arraez turned out, the value is less IMHO. Oh, btw, if we are counting money ($10MM in savings), please see Gallo for $11MM - talk about bidding against ourselves (I wonder what the cover bid was on him, lol).

Miranda will get his shot at 3B, but given the rumours about Kiriloff, he could be getting many more innings at 1B - which is good because when Lewis, Lee and Julien show up that’s going to be his position if he wants to get meaningful innings in the field. 

Gordon earned those innings and ABs that Taylor is going to take. Gordon also is ascending and Taylor has plateaued or is descending.  I’d prefer to have us invest in Gordon.  It’s also a trade off between a little better glove and a little better bat. Besides, it’s hard to get to excited as a fan about these meh one year rentals - I’d prefer to at least imagine that any emotional connection I invest will make it to at least next year, let alone past the trade deadline.  

They moved Urshela to open the spot for Miranda. 2000 innings at 3B & best player in minor leagues in ‘21. Period.

Farmer was insurance and a cheap/effective option if CC was gone & a perfectly good placeholder for Lewis/Lee. Maybe all of ‘23 & into ‘24. Now we have a former starting SS as our utility guy. Excellent splits v. LH pitching. He’ll be at 3B for the LH pitchers & Miranda will shift to 1B.

Taylor is a depth move. Can’t have Celestino in the SHOW! Buxton has played more than 100 games ONCE in 7 years. I’m a huge Gordon fan & am as mystified as anyone about the Gallo signing. $ reasons & his lack of ability to put ball in play coupled were what made up a bad signing IMO. My assumption was Kepler would be gone and the two salaries would wash. Not yet.

If Kirilof is out again Gallo will pick up most of the starts at 1B & Gordon will play 140 games in OF.

Gordon will get plenty of playing time! Can’t play Taylor in front of him v. RH pitching! 80% plus guys are RH so that’s a bunch of starts!! The guy had 28 doubles in 405 AB’s …….it was his first season with health in his pro ball career. He gained 25 lb in 6 months and is getting stronger & stronger.

Don’t cheer for Taylor or Gallo this year and you should be good in ‘24. Go TWINS!