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At last an article that is not a list of who we might, could, should sign! This was interesting even though I really know nothing about these people other than Dinkleman and Gardenhire. I just want the minors to pump players into the majors.

1] DH: I wouldn't be disappointed in Ozuna, but I really don't like the 4yr commitment. Part of the reason I like Cruz is the short term investment while Krilloff, Rooker and Larnach get their feet wet. No Cruz? I like Brantley for 2yrs because he HITS, gets OB, has 20 HR and 40 Dbls power and can play a legitimate OF. He could hit 1-3 in this lineup and be very valuable. 2] SP: I like Paxton. I like that he's been very good when healthy. I like that he's LH. I like Odorizzi better. Still can't understand what's so terrible about a really good and sometimes great #3/4 SP even if he is only good for 5-6 IP. I also think there's going to be a TON of low cost fliers available late looking for an opportunity. Choose the right flier and you might find a #5 steal. 3] INF: With 3 excellent choices as a new SS, I don't see a trade for one. The question simply is, do the Twins want to make this move? If they do, then make your choice, shuffle Polanco or Arraez around and then one of several cheap options that are still out there for an 11th man role. Example: Cabrera for $2-3M. If you aren't going to make the big SS move, then make your choice for the 10th man role amongst the top choices, and then STILL sign that 11th man. But make a decision! 4] BP: Rosenthal has a big arm and might be had for $7M. Yates might be as good or better and come cheaper at $5M. Soria and Clippard and a few others are still available for $2.5-3M. Just because the Twins aren't going to sign a $10M relief arm doesn't mean there isn't some quality and real value out there.

The Twins have Jorge Polanco at SS. In 2019 he was an all star. Now all of Twins fandom wants him at utility and hope for the team to sign another SS. I am not sure why. Our number one prospect remains Royce Lewis who is still listed as a SS who should be ready by the end of the year at least. So why do we want to demote Polanco and block Lewis? This is reasoning that does not work for me. Then we have Wander Javier who came to us in the same international draft that produced Vladimir Guerrero, jr. and Yordan Alvarez. To say that he is behind them on the development level is an understatement. I am still not sure why he is rated so high as a prospect. He has had a hamstring injury during his 2016 debut, a torn labrum costing him all of 2018 and a strained quad keeping him from making his full-season debut in 2019. Then he came in and looked lost for 300 at bats. And MLB.com still has him listed at number nine. Above him on the mlb.com site is Keoni Cavaco who is given great grades for athleticism, which is fine in the Olympics, but batting and fielding count in baseball. I am not sold on him. He was a fast riser in HS according to his notes. Another prospect who does not make my list. At 17 is Nick Gordon. He seems to be on a slippery slope to a forgotten prospect, but I hope he will find a way to get to the majors someday. He just isn’t going to make the team as a starter. Will Holland is next on the prospect list at 19. Notes about him say that he was doing great at Auburn until his Junior year where he bombed and slipped to fifth round. Then he came to rookie ball and still bombed. Not looking good. Today the Twins made an big international signing – Danny De Andrade who is 16. He could be projected to arrive when Lewis runs out of arbitration and signs elsewhere. He is big, potential middle of the order project (typically that means not staying at SS). At 16 he is a project. I know what my grandsons are like at that age – I would not sign them for $2.2 million and I love them. If he makes it he will probably replace Donaldson and not Lewis. Finally the second signing is Fredy LaFlor who is already projected in the mlb.com writeup to shift to second or CF. He said to be a high energy top of the lineup prospect. So there is the Twins SS list. I would like to see us develop one of them into the next great SS rather than sign one who is already down the road of his career and will be overpaid. How do you see these names playing out? The Athletic summary of international signings did not include the Twins - disappointing. https://theathletic.com/2326602/2021/01/16/mlb-international-signing-period-day-1/?source=weeklyemail For those of us who do not know who they are it is important to have outside opinions.

SS factory? Who could Mike be talking about? It couldn't be our Twins? To my knowledge they haven't produced a bona fide SS since Zoilo Versalles. Prospects usually don't pan out and leave or move to a different position. Polanco became an all star because of his bat not his glove. He's a 2B but was thrust at SS when we traded Escobar. It seems that any good SS we've had, we gotten thru trade. Lewis is a good SS but will he stay there? Why can't we produce our own SS, Mike? It's a question that needs to be asked. Thank you Mike for bringing this to our attention.

In that picture, man does he look almost exactly like a younger version if his dad! The Twins have always loved to promote from within and utilize former players for anything from coaches to instructors, to even radio and TV personalities. While not knowing to what degree other organizations do the same the Twins have to be amongst the most aggressive in this area. And I have always applauded such moves. And our current FO has maintained this "tradition" that began decades before they were placed in charge. But this FO also does things very differently than they were done in previous regimes. So any calls of nepotism would be grossly misplaced. Toby is where he is because of who he is and his hard work and knowledge. He's not where he because he was a journeyman infielder with the team or because of any favor to his father. Funny story, that I may have repeated some years ago, but several years ago when Toby was still a young milb infielder within the system, he called up Ron one night to ask him how to hit the low and outside slider. Ron's reported response was, "I'm going to hang up now. Think about what you just asked." Toby called back the next day to state, "You don't swing at it." LOL My favorite story for both men! Obviously Toby has learned a lot since those days.

Fun fact: James Paxton has a better career ERA, FIP, xFIP and SIERA than Trevor Bauer, and it isn't even particularly close.

Hopefully Twins are aspiring to more than just not bad.

Dinkelman got promoted while carrying the exact same position on the exact same team. Glad he's back in Cedar Rapids though. Got the minor league juices flowing.

Spring training is scheduled to start in less than a month and the Twins have done minimal this winter. So, where can the Twins add the most value before the team reports to Florida?There holes left to fill on the Twins roster, but luckily for Twins fans, there are plenty of options still available. Here’s a look at three positions where Minnesota could add the most value. WAR total comparisons are from FanGraphs ZiPS projections for the 2021 season. Designated Hitter It’s ridiculous that the National League still doesn’t know if they will have a designated hitter in 2021. Teams are supposed to proceed as if there won’t be a NL DH, but it makes it tough for free agents like Nelson Cruz to know their market. Cruz and the Twins have been in contact throughout the off-season and the two parties seem like a natural match with the current DH market. However, there are other options for the Twins to consider. If the Twins choose not to sign a DH, the organization’s options to fill the role are Brent Rooker and Alex Kirilloff. Rooker had an impactful debut before being hit with a pitch that ended his season. Kirilloff seems more likely to take over Rosario’s role in the outfield, but he could still get at-bats as the DH. Marcell Ozuna represents Minnesota’s best chance to add the most value at DH. He’s a decade younger than Cruz and he is coming off a tremendous season in Atlanta. Obviously, his price tag is going to include a longer commitment and more money than Cruz. Michael Brantley is a different style hitter than Cruz and Ozuna, but he also offers more defensive flexibility than some of the other DH options. Current DH Options: Rooker (0.5 WAR), Kirilloff (1.5 WAR) Free Agent DH: Ozuna (3.6 WAR), Cruz (3.1 WAR), Brantley (2.9 WAR) Back-End Starting Pitching Minnesota’s top three starters are already penciled in with Kenta Maeda, Jose Berrios, and Michael Pineda. This means the club is looking for other options to fill out the back half of the rotation. In-house options like Randy Dobnak, Devin Smeltzer, Lewis Thorpe, and Jhoan Duran could eat innings in the fifth starter spot. However, the team likely doesn’t want to rely on those arms filling in back-end roles. Minnesota isn’t going to spend the money it takes to sign Trevor Bauer, so the Twins are likely looking at the other names at the top of the free agent list. This includes Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, Jake Odorizzi, Taijuan Walker, and Jose Quintana. ZiPS loves Dobnak so only the first three free agent pitchers would be an upgrade over him to the Twins rotation. Current 4/5 Starters: Dobnak (1.5 WAR), Smeltzer (0.8 WAR), Thorpe (0.5 WAR), Duran (0.8 WAR) Free Agent Starters: Paxton (2.7 WAR), Tanaka (2.3 WAR), Odorizzi (1.8 WAR), Walker (1.2 WAR), Quintana (1.3 WAR) Infield Depth The Twins need to add infield depth with Marwin Gonzalez and Ehire Adrianaza both becoming free agents. Throughout the offseason, there has been talk about moving Jorge Polanco to a super utility role and the Twins acquiring a better defensive shortstop. One option would be to trade for a shortstop with an expiring contract like Javier Baez or Trevor Story, but there are plenty of good free agent options still available that would allow the team to keep prospects. If the Twins want a starting shortstop, there are clearly three players at the top of the free agent market. Andrelton Simmons, Didi Gregorius, and Marcus Semien are all very intriguing options and the idea of having Simmons and Donaldson on the same side of the infield is a defensive dream. Semien is projected is the only player projected for a higher WAR than Polanco. Other utility options include Jurickson Profar, Enrique Hernandez, and Tommy La Stella, but none of them are considered everyday shortstops. Current SS/Utility Infielders: Polanco (2.8 WAR), Gordon (1.1 WAR), Miranda (0.8 WAR), Blankenhorn (-0.2 WAR) Free Agent SS/Utility Players: Semien (3.9 WAR), Simmons (2.7 WAR), Gregorius (2.3 WAR), Profar (1.6 WAR), La Stella (0.7 WAR), Hernandez (0.6 WAR) If the Twins want to add the most value, it looks like they should turn to Ozuna, Paxton, and Semien. That trio of players would likely come with a hefty price tag, so the Twins might have to be creative as they complete their roster. Where do you think the Twins can add the most value? 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

If the Minnesota Twins really do hope to make an upgrade at shortstop for 2021, they should sign free agent Didi Gregorius. He’s the best fit available for their needs and organizational philosophies.Gregorius, who will turn 31 next month, has always made contact at an excellent rate. Ever since he joined the Yankees in 2015, though, he’s demonstrated the further ability to consistently lift the ball to the pull field. Since the start of 2018, in fact, 18.5 percent of Gregorius’s batted balls have been pulled fly balls or line drives. That’s the same percentage as noteworthy sluggers like Justin Turner and Max Muncy. It’s a hair ahead of defending AL home-run champion Luke Voit and erstwhile Twin Aaron Hicks, and a bit further ahead of the man whom Gregorius would displace, if he signs with Minnesota: Jorge Polanco. Only 17.4 percent of Marcus Semien’s batted balls over the last three years have been pulled liners or flies. For Andrelton Simmons, the figure is 14.0 percent. Semien, on balance, has the most upside in the set, and Simmons (if healthy) offers the surest defensive improvement over Polanco, whose defensive shortcomings are the best reason why the team might opt to move on. Gregorius, though, has a skill set the Twins prize as much as any team in baseball. Over the same three seasons, only the Astros have (narrowly) generated pulled balls in the air at a higher rate than Minnesota has. Gregorius would fit what this team likes to do. He did change in 2020—or, just as plausibly, was changed, by a new home park, new coaches, and the alien experience of pandemic-ball. He hit the ball much less hard, on average, than he has in the past, and that does raise some concern. However, Gregorius also made two significant adjustments well-suited both to his skill set and to the Twins’ program. He was less aggressive on the first pitch, which gave him more chances to see pitches and get something he could handle, and he pulled the ball more, without rolling over and hitting on the ground more often. It’s important to remain cognizant of Gregorius’s weaknesses, and of his medium-term projectability. Since the league expanded to 28 teams in 1993 (and then to 30 in 1998), there have been at least four qualifying shortstops aged 30 or older in every season but three: 2018, 2019, and 2020. In those three campaigns, the only 30-plus shortstops to qualify for the batting title are Brandon Crawford (three times), Elvis Andrus, Nick Ahmed, Miguel Rojas, and Gregorius. The league is getting younger all the time, and that’s especially true at the most demanding defensive positions on the diamond. In addition to having time working against him on a broad, physical level, Gregorius relies more than other players (though not much, if at all, more than Semien or Simmons) on making contact with pitches outside the strike zone. That skill does not age well. If Gregorius doesn’t make up for declining contact rates with improved power and plate discipline, he’s likely to experience a pretty sharp offensive decline as he moves toward his mid-30s. Taken together, those factors make it most appealing to sign Gregorius to a short-term deal. That suits the Twins fine. With Royce Lewis on the way, a two-year deal should bridge the gap nicely, and if the Twins added a third-year vesting option, Gregorius would leap at the right offer. The annual average value on such a deal would likely be fairly high, but for what Gregorius does and the way he fits the team, it could be well worth it. No, he doesn’t bat right-handed, and yes, the team would still need to add a player like Nelson Cruz or Marcell Ozuna after signing him, but Gregorius would solve multiple on-field problems, and would be a superb addition to the team’s very international, ever-evolving clubhouse culture. He’s the right investment, unless one of the elite shortstops a year from free agency is available in trade for much less than is currently believed. SEE ALSO The 10 Best Twins Targets Among Remaining Free Agents Free Agent Faceoff: Kiké Hernández vs. Tommy La Stella The Minnesota Twins Need to Explore a Javier Báez Trade Click here to view the article

If it keeps him from an AL contending team great. He kills the Twins no matter what he was doing all season.

I don't want Ozuna for four years if he's already going to be penciled in as the full time DH; I don't think it's wise to commit to that position for so long, you need some year-to-year flexibility there. Besides, it's likely that Sano and/or Donaldson are going to need that spot shortly. Brantley is interesting because while people talk about him as a DH, he's still been primarily an outfielder and a capable one at that. It would be nice to be able to rotate some big bats through the DH spot regularly or as injury requires throughout the season. I'll take just about any lotto ticket pitcher on a 1-2 year deal. Anyone who wants three or more can take a hike. I'm looking at you Odorizzi. I don't see any pitchers outside of Bauer that don't fall into that lotto ticket category. I'm all for getting a utility infielder, or a full time SS to make Polanco a utility infielder. While conventional wisdom (well last century wisdom) says this spot is for a glove first player, I'm not interested in that. This team has shown it can put together some stout offenses, I'm not looking to take a step back by putting a weak bat into the lineup regularly. So Gregorius would probably be my first choice.

Both.

Can't buy this, after reading about Didi's defensive shortcomings. If you're going to move Polanco off SS, it would be for a defensive upgrade. Simmons should be the easy choice. His offense ability is ok for that position. Semien's track record shows one superior season, so big red flag there. I like Didi's offense but at SS position, you have to go for defense first. Bottom line, sign Simmons, use Polanco as a key trade chip in getting Sonny Gray from Reds, and add Castellanos to deal to fill DH spot.

Why trade prospects for Musgrove when better pitchers are available for just money, e.g., Odo, Paxton? And if they were willing to give up a top prospect or two, it should be for someone like Gray or Castillo with top-of-the-rotation potential. As for Lester, meh! He's on the downhill side of his career. What is disturbing is that MLBTR reports Yates close to signing with Jays. Just no excuse for FO to pass on him, unless they have their sites set on Rosenthal. Getting the impression FO sitting on their hands until Cruz question settled. Hope someone worthwhile left when that happens!!

Odorizzi and Paxton would be my choices.

Paxton is the list, the others are fillers. Get better or use the rookies.

Of the list Paxton would be my preferred route. Not sold on any of the four, but Arch is a hard no.

Pirate dumpster fire continues. Owner doesn't care about putting butts in the seats during these times, he is scratching at making pennies in profit and is a business man only. He is isolating the locals (live outside of PGH) and could care less. They are a bad AAA team in big league wolves clothing. Bummed Twins didn't pull trigger to get Musgrove, not sure who I would have given up in prospects for him. Get Kuhl and a utility guy from Pirates, offering La Tortuga and .... (pirates need catching help and so much more).

I mean that's pretty reasonable. Story is obviously the better player, but Polanco isn't too bad himself despite the trends of the offseason, and he's on a very team friendly contract for 5 more years whereas Story is a free agent next year. That makes a huge difference

Interesting thought, and if true, Cruz may live to regret passing up those earlier offers from the Twins. If they're out on him and there's no DH in NL, his market shrinks up in a hurry.

I’m fully in the Didi camp, want to see Polanco in the everyday utility role. Didi plays good defense, has power and playoff experience and don’t think he would break the bank on a shorter term deal.

Anyone else notice they are all 1 or 2 year deals? I wonder how many of the remaining FA are hoping for more than a 1 to 2 year deal. I bet many of the remaining guys have 1 year offers out there. I have been saying all off season, there will be very few long term deals. Most will be 1 or 2 year deals. This is because of COVID this coming season, still we do not know how much attendance will be there. The other is the CBA is coming up and I expect a work stoppage, with possible major changes to CBA. This could greatly affect what a bad contract could mean to a team. With all the unknown it is hard to agree to long term deal.

I've thought from the end of last season that the Twins would have to bring back Odorizzi. I don't see the sense in giving up too many minor league prospects (and I don't the FO would) on a trade and I don't think the Twins can compete on the high level SPs like Bauer. I'm curious to see who will be this year's Hill and Bailey. We also need to get cracking on he bullpen. I can't believe we haven't signed Clippard yet and I hope we don't get stuck with Romo.

That, or something similar, would be my choice of offseason moves as well. Simmons is my #1 position player signing, and adding 2 starters and 2 bullpen guys would be my move. I'd love to see Cruz back, but his risk of regression mixed with his reported contract desires makes it hard to build out the team around him, unfortunately.

SIMMONS! Seriously, Simmons at SS and Buxton in CF would already be unfair. With Donaldson, Kepler, and Jeffers, that's a darn good defense

Pretty much agree 100% with you, Tom. Not surprising as I've pretty much been saying the same things for two months. Tanaka probably has only 1-5 teams he would sign with and the Yankees a clear #1 choice. Healthy and coming off solid years, I'm interested in both Richardson and Walker. Each offers up a bit of healthy "upside", especially Walker. I think it's about 50/50-60/40 the Twins sign a FA or trade for a SP. But it has to be Paxton or Odorizzi if they go the FA route. They have the $ to afford either and both are clearly the best options available. Good news is each of them are really solid pitchers. Honestly, how can anyone feel bad about either of those guys competing for the 3/4 spot with Pineda? I strongly believe the Twins will also be signing someone from your D and F list for around $3M-ish for depth and to compete for the 5th spot. Just not sure I can offer up a best option list. But there's going to be a lot of guys who want to play and will be looking for work in the next few weeks. Might even be some milb signings with ST invites who could surprise. I also wouldn't be surprised if the "cheap" option was added first, much like Bailey last season. I'm bored to tears right now waiting for things to happen, but I'm still kind of excited about the options available.

Thank you both for the kind comments! This is my first review for this site and I’ll continue to post more baseball movie reviews around once a week so look forward to those.

Nick Gordon is the forgotten guy. Maybe, just maybe, he will get a utility role shot this year. Royce Lewis to the outfield? Already crowded, even after deep-sixing Rosario (no one had grabbed Eddie yet). Javier, still highly rated, but has already gone thru two Rule 5 drafts. That ahs to be amazing for such a still highly rated prospect. At some point the Twins have to work him onto the 40-man. High school players vs. college players? Discussion on some positions? Yes, MOST prospects don't pan out at all. Others seemed to be packaged more after their first season in a club's system, which can be a smart move...you basically only have money invested.

Your assessment of the Twins' short stops is sound. Adding a player from outside the organization either via trade or free agency is about making the team better. That doesn't always mean simply shoring up weaker areas - the Twins could improve their team by bringing in a SS like Simmons and finding a different regular role for Polanco.