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Thanks for the article and I watched the YouTube video as well. I've watched many times over the years on a fuzzy VHS tape. Harmon was my hero growing up and I was able to meet him six times or so over the years. He was always so nice to me and my twin brother. First met him at an autograph show in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we gave him one of his signature model gloves and the old gas station giveaway metal can. He appreciated that and would always remember me when I saw him other times over the years in Nebraska and Minnesota. And we even exchanged Christmas cards for a few years until his way too early passing. He was a Hall of Fame baseball player and also a Hall of Fame person!

Great article. Not to be that guy, but in 1986 Letterman was the host of Late Night on NBC. The Late Show wasn't a thing until maybe seven years later. And obviously you meant it wouldn't be the last time Pride sang for Killer. One of my earlier memories, for whatever reason, is that of Charlie Pride (because he stood out as a black man in country music), and as I was listening to the Twins game on radio with Harmon on 1B and Bert pitching vs Nolan Ryan, I also then leaned that Pride had played baseball. I may be making up the exact game I learned that, but I do remember the frustration of listening to that matchup, because Bert would pitch well and the Twins still had no chance. Rinse and repeat during those years. In honor of Late Night's David Letterman's Top 10 lists, here are the things I remember learning from listening to Twins radio after going to bed in the early '70s in Iowa: 1. Charlie Pride played baseball but never made the majors. 2. Nolan Ryan threw over 100 mph (and Twins couldn't touch him). 3. Wilbur Wood (SP, ChA) killed the Twins with his knuckleball. 4. Aurelio Rodriguez (3B, Det) was tough against the Twins, Dick Allen (ChA) was phenomenal. 5. Disney World was in Florida. 6. Freddie Patek (SS, KC) was 5'4". He later grew an inch. 7. David Clyde (Texas) was a phenom who would go straight from high school to pitching against the Twins. Later in the season, the Twins would send Eddie Bane against him in a promotion touting two pitchers who never pitched in the minors. It was a frustrating game to listen to. Clyde was better. 8. Jim Kaat won the Gold Glove every year. 9. Frank Howard (1B, Was/Tex) was the largest man who will ever wear a major league baseball jersey. 10. Ray Christensen, Herb Carneal and Halsey Hall.

Hole at back up catcher? Watch for a Garver/Jeffers tandem to have the best catcher output in MLB in 2021.

Agree with those above that there isn't a hole at catcher. Jeffers/Garver will split time behind the plate with Astudillo and Telis around to fill in for an injury. Doubt Rortvedt will be ready to step up should a lengthy injury take one of the big two out for an extended period of time, but could he be ready by late season? Loved this article, Matt. Great read of what this FO does and what we should expect over the winter. My only gripe is I want to see them get started with their first move.

Agreed re "Non-tendered placeholder", and I'm hoping it's Simmons. I might also correct the (excellent) OP slightly with: Archetype #2: Starting Pitchers Recovering from *Surgery* Hill and Pineda had already had surgery for their issues, and were taking expected recovery time while being free agents. I'd worry about signing a pitcher who has missed time, but has had no intervention or other reason to expect a robust recovery

Hold up they don't need a backup catcher, right? They have Garver and Jeffers, who can platoon. I don't think they need to sign anyone else.

I would love to use Castellanos' contract as a contract dump with a pitcher like Gray or Castillo! Unfortunately that means no Cruz but given his age compared to Castellanos (2021 is his age 29 season) I think that is a worthwhile move given the reduction in cost to acquire a front line starter. https://www.baseballtradevalues.com/trade-simulator/ I don't know how accurate this trade simulator is but it shows the cost for those two would be either 1 of Garver, Duran, Dobnak, or Balazovic or some combination of lesser prospects. I would happily trade any of those 4 to get Castellanos and Gray. If I had to pick 1 it would probably be Garver so Jeffers starts full time and we use a veteran back up like Castro. Now, it also says we could get those two for Smeltzer, Astudillo, and Maciel and that's just silly so take it with a grain of salt but I really think Castellanos' contract isn't terrible for what he is but since the Reds are trying to cut costs... This might be a sneaky pick up. Who knows, maybe the Pohlads REALLY want to go all in and approve bringing back Cruz for 1 year AND Castellanos plays LF for 1 year. Always fun to dream right

if you could pull a Castellanos and Castillo trade built around a Larnach. Get a good power Rh bat who can play a little outfield but likely settle in as primary DH and a potential ace with team control

I love this article. Absolutely fantastic!!

I like this way of thinking about it. And for a combined $10M-$12M, I'd take that quartet of relievers over spending the same amount on Liam Hendricks. Add Mark Melancon, Brandon Kintzler to the mix of possibilities, plus my favorite, Jeremy Jeffress and his 139 career ERA+. James Paxton could be among your starters bouncing back from injuries group. Another archetype you might consider is the "Veteran Placeholder," preferably on a one-year deal, and potentially non-tendered. Think Cron, Schoop, Morrison, and Marwin. I'm not sure there's great fits here, but the targets here may be Andrelton Simmons or Jonathan Villar.

Since joining the Minnesota Twins after the 2016 season, Derek Falvey and the Twins front office have signed 22 MLB free agents. What can those 22 prior free agency signings tell us about who the Minnesota Twins might sign this offseason?While it’s fun to speculate on which free agents we think the Minnesota Twins should sign this offseason, it might be more worthwhile to use recent history as an indicator of who the Minnesota Twins are most likely to sign. To do this, we will take a look back at the prior four offseasons for the Twins under the Derek Falvey regime and the archetypes of players that Falvey & company have signed. Then using that history, we can see which types of players in this free agency class match that archetype and could be a realistic free agent for the Twins this offseason. Archetype #1: Veteran Relievers on 1 Year Deals Prior examples: Zach Duke, 1 year/$2.15M (2018)Fernando Rodney, 1 year/$4.5M (2018)Tyler Clippard, 1 year/$3M (2020)Sergio Romo, 1 year/$5M (2020)2021 possibilities:Joakim SoriaSean DoolittleDarren O’DayTyler ClippardLike most teams, the position that the Minnesota Twins have attacked most frequently in free agency over the past four seasons has been relief pitcher. Upon looking at those reliever free agency signings, there is one singular theme that binds them together — they are largely veteran on one-year deals. Over the past four years the Twins have signed 8 relief pitchers. Seven of those eight relief pitchers have been signed on one-year deals (only Addison Reed’s two-year deal being the outlier), and the average age of those seven relief pitchers has been 37 years old. So, while it’s fun to speculate on the Twins going out and signing a top-tier free agent reliever like Liam Hendriks or Brad Hand, chances are the Minnesota Twins are going to stick with what has worked for them, and sign another aging veteran on a one-year contract. Players like Joakim Soria (36), Sean Doolittle (34), Darren O’Day (38) or Tyler Clippard (35) definitely fit the archetype for a Falvey-like free agent more than Liam Hendriks and are the names we should expect to see the Minnesota Twins go after this offseason. Archetype #2: Starting Pitchers Recovering from Injury Prior examples: Rich Hill, 1 year/$3M (2020)Michael Pineda, 2 years/$10M (2018)2021 possibilities:Cole HamelsCorey KluberAnother archetype that we have seen the Falvey-era Minnesota Twins sign in free agency has been starting pitchers recovering from injury. This is a category of player that typically comes with a built-in discount due to the inherent risk of pitching injuries, and the Twins haven’t shied away from capitalizing on that discount. The previous names that we have seen the Twins sign under this archetype have been Rich Hill, who was originally scheduled to miss half of the following season due to elbow surgery, and Michael Pineda who was signed with the understanding that he would miss the entirety of the first season of his contract due to elbow surgery. Teams like the Minnesota Twins might not be able to compete for the Gerrit Coles of the world, but if they hit on a discounted pitcher due to injury, they could acquire a top-flight pitcher for a fraction of the cost. This offseason there are two starting pitchers that fit the bill for a starting pitcher recovering from injury, Cole Hamels and Corey Kluber. Hamels signed with the Atlanta Braves last offseason, only to pitch 3 1/3 innings and ultimately be shut down with shoulder fatigue. Kluber was another starting pitcher with a new team last season only to struggle with injury, pitching just one inning for the Rangers before being shut down with a shoulder tear. Both of these players would make a lot of sense on the Minnesota Twins on reclamation projects, and there has already been buzz of the Minnesota Twins showing interest in Kluber. Archetype #3: Veteran, Frame-Savvy, “Clubhouse Guy” Catchers Prior examples: Jason Castro, 3 year/$24.5M (2017)Alex Avila, 1 year/$4.25M (2020)2021 possibilities:Alex AvilaJason CastroWith Alex Avila becoming a free agent, the Twins have a backup catcher spot to fill on their roster this offseason. Under the Falvey regime, the two catchers that the Twins have signed (Castro and Avila) have both been veteran, frame-savvy, “clubhouse guy” catchers. They have been field-first catchers who excel in making pitchers look better, while being high character guys in the clubhouse. With a hole at backup catcher, the Twins could certainly go out and acquire another framing specialist behind the plate, with the two most likely names, ironically, being Alex Avila and Jason Castro. The most likely path for the Twins, though, will be to not sign either of those names as they have their own frame-savvy catcher within their organization in Ryan Jeffers. Jeffers might not be a 10-year veteran in the Majors like Castro and Avila, but he showed last season that he is an adept pitch framer, and by all accounts has what it takes to be the backup catcher, if not ultimately the starting catcher for the Minnesota Twins in 2021 and beyond. Archetype #4: Top-Tier, Superstar Free Agent Prior examples: Nelson Cruz, 1 year/$14M + $12M second year option (2019)Josh Donaldson, 4 years/$92M (2020)2021 possibilities:Trevor BauerMasahiro TanakaMarcell OzunaNelson CruzThe final archetype of free agent that the Falvey-era Twins have shown that they are capable of signing is the top-tier, superstar free agent. While the Twins have looked to find discounts on the reliever market or by signing starting pitchers coming off of injury, they have also shown that they are capable of ponying up and signing a star when the opportunity presents itself. They somewhat showed that in 2019, when the Twins signed Nelson Cruz to a nice contract, but they really proved it last offseason, when they signed Josh Donaldson to a franchise record $92M deal. Twins fans might still cry “Pohlad Pocket Protector”, but this front office has shown that when the right player is out there, and the need presents itself, they will spend big-time money to bring in talent. Because they have shown in the past that they are willing to spend, no free agent should be thought of as completely off the table for this Twins front office. The big time players this year are Trevor Bauer, Masahiro Tanaka, Marcell Ozuna and Nelson Cruz. Look for the Twins to explore deals with all of these free agents, and potentially ink a deal. Which archetype of free agent do you think the Twins are most likely to sign this offseason? Is there another theme of free agent that was missed? Leave a comment below and start the conversation! MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I disagree Brandon, I've been banging the drum for the Twins to bring Cruz back all off-season. BUT... If the Twins could swing a trade for Castillo and Castellanos that makes it not VITAL they bring Cruz back. Castillo in our rotation with Maeda, Berrios and Pineda would be tremendous. Castellanos is a SOLID bat. Not as powerful as Sano, but much more consistent. He could play LF but also possibly see some time at 1B (he IS a former 3B-man) as well as DH. This certainly would free the Twins to unload Sano. Between Kiriloff, Castellanos, Rooker and Garver 1B is covered. To fill out the pitching staff how about Sano for German Marquez. Castillo and Castellanos for Dobnak, Sabato, Rortvedt and Gordon. If that's not enough, I'd be willing to go higher.

The music world came to a stop last Sunday when country music legend Charley Pride passed away at the age of 86 from COVID complications. Pride was a remarkable trailblazer in the music world but also had deep baseball roots and a unique relationship with Harmon Killebrew.The corners of Harmon Killebrew’s smile widened as he jovially tapped his hand along to the beat of the music. Not from Paul Schaeffer’s band, but to the soulful voice of Charley Pride singing into David Letterman’s phone, live on national television. When a 1986 docuseries for The Late Show that was supposed to feature Killebrew fell through, Letterman couldn’t let his childhood hero slip through the cracks. The solution? An entire evening of The Late Show dedicated to “Hammerin Harmon,” tabbed as “Harmon Killebrew Night.” The program packaged together 45 minutes of pure bliss, featuring an appearance from Bob Allison, a live mural painting of Harmon, and the official retirement of Killebrew's ‘very expensive’ suit coat. A humble and earnest man, Killebrew was hesitant in agreeing to have an entire show to himself with the greatest late night host to ever grace the planet. The deal breaker? Harmon’s favorite musician Charley Pride performing on the show. Charley Pride was no stranger to the game of baseball. In addition to being an avid Texas Rangers fan, Pride had multiple stints in the Negro League and MLB affiliates thoughout the 1950’s. A crafty right handed pitcher with a strong curveball, Pride pitched for the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro League in 1952. Pride’s talent took him to the Boise Yankees in 1953, the Class C affiliate of the New York Yankees; just an hour drive from Killebrew’s hometown of Payette, Idaho. The following duration of Pride’s baseball career consisted of go-abouts with other minor league affiliates and Negro League teams, spliced in half by service in the US Army from 1956-1958. When it appeared that professional baseball wasn’t his career calling, Pride turned to country music. The rest is history. Charley had planned to perform in person for Harmon on that brisk February evening in 1986. Unfortunately, poor weather stalled Pride’s flight to New York. That didn’t stop him from singing to Harmon, over the phone, from his bathroom. In perfect synchrony with Paul Schaffer’s band (whom were all wearing Twins caps), Pride sang “Mountain of Love” into the dial-up phone. Watch it and you’ll smile as Harmon shows a rare glimpse of pure joy and emotion as Pride sings. That February evening wouldn’t be the last time that Pride would sing for Harmon, the second performance on a much more somber note. After Harmon passed away in 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer, Pride joined family and a number of Twins legends to honor an incredible man. Pride performed Precious Lord Take my Hand, I’ll Fly Away, and Harmon’s favorite tune, Mountain of Love, just as he did back in 1986. Following the service, Twins great Michael Cuddyer was quoted saying he strived to be like Harmon Killebrew. Cuddyer’s words couldn’t be more fitting for Harmon..and Charley. Harmon and Charly lived vastly different lives but both had traits that we can all learn from. Both men executed their crafts to perfection, treated everyone around them with love and respect, and left smiles on the faces of people across the globe. Hopefully the two are playing a game of pickup ball up in the field of dreams with a few country songs in between. Click here to view the article

The Cincinnati Reds have made it quite clear that they are open for business this winter as the team is trying to cut payroll. Already, the club has dealt away closer Raisel Iglesias in a trade that seemed to favor the Angels and not the Reds. Are there other available players the Twins can target to bolster their roster for 2021?Sonny Gray Contract: 2-years, $20.33 million ($12 million team option for 2023) Gray has revamped himself since joining the Reds rotation. Over the last two seasons, he has a 3.07 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 277 strikeouts in 231 1/3 innings. He might be the best starting pitcher available on the trade market this winter and the asking price will likely be high based on his recent performance and his years of team control. Gray would help bolster the top of Minnesota’s rotation that already includes the trio of Kenta Maeda, Jose Berrios, and Michael Pineda. Gray would help the team in the short-term, but the asking price might be higher than the front office wants to pay. Luis Castillo Contract: First-year arbitration eligible (Earliest Free Agency 2024) While Gray can help the Reds to cut cost, Castillo is still relatively cheap since he is entering his first year of arbitration. A team looking to acquire Castillo might also have to be willing to take on a veteran with a higher salary to help the Reds cut costs (see below). Since the start of the 2019 season, the 28-year-old has posted a 3.35 ERA and a 3.42 FIP in 260 2/3 innings. He has an electric fastball that sits in the upper-90s and his slider is improving. It seems like someone Wes Johnson would love to help take to the next level. Nick Castellanos Contract: 3-years, $46 million ($20 million mutual option for 2024) Twins fans are likely familiar with Castellanos from his time in a Tigers uniform and his contract might be one that a team will have to acquire to have a chance at Castillo. Castellanos can fit multiple roles with the Twins including corner outfielder or designated hitter. Over the last two seasons, he has hit .273/.327/.515 with 41 home runs and 69 doubles in 211 games. Making a deal that includes Castellanos likely puts the Twins out of the running for Nelson Cruz, but it can mean the club acquires a big-time arm like Castillo. Amir Garrett Contract: First-year arbitration eligible (Earliest Free Agency 2024) Garrett is one of the players that will have a chance to take over the closer’s role in Cincinnati following the departure of Iglesias. Like Castillo, he is in his first year of arbitration so there won’t be urgency to trade him unless a perspective team is willing to take on other salary. Since the start of 2019, he has a 3.03 ERA and a 4.19 FIP while racking up 104 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings. Minnesota has multiple holes to fill in their bullpen, so would the team be willing to overspend to get a very good left-handed arm. Lucas Sims Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible (Earliest Free Agency 2025) Sims was a first-round pick in 2012 out of high school and he joined the Reds organization back in 2018 in a deadline deal with the Braves. He hasn’t even reached arbitration yet and so the cost to acquire him will be steep. Over the last two seasons, he strikes out nearly 12 batters per nine innings with a 1.08 WHIP and a 125 ERA+. Cincinnati can put him in the closer’s role for a couple seasons and get a higher return for him after he has the “proven closer” label applied to him. Which players would you like the Twins to target? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I think Salva is out of the organization...Casanova is also out

I would happily give up Balazovic for Castillo as the center pieces with Castellanos contract reducing the additional pieces. If we still need prospect filler, Larnach, Gordon, Dobnak, Rortvedt, Astudillo, (I could go on) Load them up with second to third tier prospects that we just don't have room for. If we really are looking elsewhere for a potential shortstop, we can also be looking at adding Polanco or Arraez to this mix and possibly gaining one or two of their relievers while were at it. We have the resources to make a blockbuster trade.

I'd like Clippard & Soria in BP. Looks like Hernandez as super utility. For starters my vote is for Garret Richards. He has great stuff that Wes can work w/ & he looks healthy after finally getting TJ surgery. There's a lot of possibilities for a SS upgrade which the FO could be a possibility. If they do Hernandez might balk because he wants at least 500 PAs.

Castillo w/o a doubt! His potential is phenomenal. It'll take a huge trade but it`ll be worth it. We don't need Castellanos & don't know if we have any more trading pieces after trading for Castillo, maybe throw in Wade Miley

The post makes sense: a reliever (Tyler Clippard) for $3 million, a starting pitcher or two (Kluber and Walker or Hill) for $8 and $4 million, and a unknown big contract for $15-$30 million. Nelson Cruz was such a dynamic force the past two seasons that it seems tough to imagine the Twins moving forward without him on board next summer. Free agent signings seem more advantageous to the team, but trades are likely being tossed around every week and could be an important part of building the next roster. History might lean toward Soria/Clippard, Kluber and Hill/Walker, plus Cruz, but we should not be surprised by a big trade and signing.

And what happens if Garver gets another concussion? Depth is always good.

Yep and if Garver bounces back then you can trade him for more value than now I would think.

Umm, just last year the Twins signed Donaldson to a $100M contract, and traded for the guy who just finished second in Cy Young voting. Exactly what makes you think this FO isn't willing to "do something"? Never mistake activity for improvement.

Here's a comparison of three players through their age 23 seasons. Player A: 543 PA, .302/.352/.379/.731, 7.7% BB rate, 6.8% K rate, 20.1% XBH rate Player B: 487 PA, .331/.390/.429/.819, 9.2% BB rate, 8.2% K rate, 23.4% XBH rate Player C: 1201 PA, .299/.341/.424/.765, 6.2% BB rate, 8.5% K rate, 26.7% XBH rate Player B is Luis Arraez, Player A is Tony Gwynn, Player C is Paul Molitor. While I agree that one dimensional hitters often have shorter careers, that doesn't hold true when that one dimension is in the 95+% percentile. Arraez is by any metric in his young career, an elite contact hitter--he legitimately could be an historically elite contact hitter. Of playes with at least 450 PA in 2019-2020, Arraez is first in total contact %, 2nd in zone contact %, 1st in out-of-zone contact %, and 1st (that is, lowest) in swinging strike %. He's also 14th (again, lowest) in soft contact %--Luis Arraez makes less soft contact than Mike Freakin' Trout. Given all of that, and the fact that he still has 4 years of team control left, and will never be all that expensive because he won't win gold gloves or hit 30 homers, if the Indians wanted Arraez in a Lindor deal, I'd tell them that's all they're getting, and they might actually need to give me something besides Lindor. I totally acknowledge this take will seem crazy to many, but a guy who compares favorably to two inner-ring Hall of Famers at the same point in their careers seems like a very valuable asset, and not one you give away for one year of a different player.

This.

I've been a fan of Garver being a key trade bait this offseason, preferably to a team like TB in need of catching help and who is willing to give up a top starter like Snell. But after looking at our "catching depth", trading Garver doesn't look so hot. No one ready behind Garver/Jeffers and relying heavily on Jeffers is risky for a playoff caliber team. Better bet is to let Garver reestablish himself in 2021, Jeffers solidify his potential to be a starting backstop in a full season and hope that Rortvedt continues his improvement.

Give 'em all metal parts like the rod that's in our first baseman's leg!

First, in terms of trades I would not be willing to give up top prospect for a 1 year rental. If we can get a long term deal figured out prior to trade, then I would feel different. Second, I have little interest in Story. He is a good defender, but on offense he is very overrated. His numbers away from Coors Field are same as Polonco career numbers. So on offense he is Polonco, but better on defense. However, I do not feel he is worth giving up prospects and huge signing, when we have Lewis in wings. Not saying Lewis a lock, but Story will not put up the offense we want when he is not hitting half his games at Coors Field. Lindor I would be willing to take and sign long term as he has hit and carried a bad Cleveland offense for years. Lindor 1 year younger, and his home road splits not nearly as crazy of a difference. Only 100 lower OPS, but actually more HR. The home road normally will happen, with the different batting eye, but Story has a 270 OPS difference, 180 slugging 34 less HR in nearly same AB. Every number is worse by large margins for Story. I will be very upset if Twins give up a top prospect for Story, because he will not be what we want on offense. If we were just looking to sign Story, I would feel a little different, but to give huge money and top prospects to get him, no thanks. Unless we are convinced Lewis cannot play SS long term, I see no point in giving up top talent for either on a rental. If we do not think Lewis can stay at SS then we do need a long term answer because after Lewis we are very thin on SS prospects for near future.

I'm all for trading Arraez for a big time player if his value is what people around here (and Ken Rosenthal?) appear to think. He's certainly a good MLB player, but the one dimensional hitters who don't do much in the way of extra base hits almost always end up wearing out their welcome sooner than expected.

Arraez's knees. Polanco's ankles. Donaldson's calves. Seems the lower parts of 3/4 of our infield are in need of repair.

Cinncinnati is trying to attach a bad contract which will lessen the prospect cost. If you take on Moustakous or Castellanos contract probably can't afford Cruz but you can acquire a top pitcher. I think that is a better fit than the shorstop trades.

Even in that scenario, that’s poor asset management. Lindor would need to be an MVP to have a chance at coming out ahead of that deal.

The Twins have scored nine runs in five playoff games the past two seasons. Pitching is certainly important, but you're not getting anywhere averaging less than two runs a game.

Perhaps find another website where you can consume free content the writer does not get paid to produce if this one makes you angry.

Trading Arraez makes no sense. He's basically the only person who hits for contact in their lineup (other than power) and they need that contact hitter. It also doesn't make sense to trade Lewis if you think about the future Twins. It just doesn't make sense.

NOOOOO Story. His offense is average at best away from Coors field. He is basically Polonco away from Coors field. Why give up prospect, and tons of money for offensively the same guy we already have?