Could the Twins Extend Alex Kirilloff or Royce Lewis?

Atlanta Braves Deals

Baseball was a little up in arms last week with the extension signed my Ozzie Albies. The All-Star second baseman signed a contract that will guarantee him $45 million over the next nine seasons. With multiple top tier players signing for $100 million or more this off-season, this deal was seen as a relative bargain.

The Braves also locked up Ronald Acuna Jr. this off-season to a deal that was also considered a bargain. Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign, he signed an eight-year deal for $100 million. Acuna is a five-tool player with the ability to impact multiple facets of the game. This puts him in a different category than Albies, but Atlanta was able to work out two very team friendly contracts.

Eloy Jimenez Extension

Another intriguing extension was the one handed out by a division rival. The Chicago White Sox were able to work out a unique deal with one of their top prospects. Eloy Jimenez had yet to appear in a big-league game and the club signed him to a six-year, $43 million contract. It includes a pair of club options and can max out around $77 million.

One unique aspect of this deal was there was no need to manipulate service time. He was under contract and the White Sox aren’t going to be in contention this season. This allows him to take his licks at with the big-league club. Entering play on Tuesday, he was hitting .268/.328/.393 with three extra-base hits in 15 games.

Possible Twins Extensions

When looking at Alex Kirilloff and Royce Lewis, there are plenty of things to consider. Minnesota’s outfield seems like it is in good shape with the likes of Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler and Byron Buxton. Kirilloff’s bat might be MLB ready but the outfield seems a little jammed at this point.

Kirilloff’s best option might be a move to first base. Minnesota has already stated that he will be getting plenty of time at first base this season. There is also an opening at first base for the 2020 season. Kirilloff has yet to play this season, so it will be intriguing to see how much time he gets at first.

Lewis is certainly in a different situation. He might be able to come up and succeed at the big-league level, but what’s the rush? He’s starting this season at Fort Myers where he is almost 2.5 years younger than the competition. He had a great 2018 campaign, but he likely won’t have a shot at debuting until 2021. Jorge Polanco is doing more than holding down shortstop at this point.

Lewis might be able to land a contract higher than Acuna, but there are plenty of hurdles facing him in the years ahead. If he follows in Acuna’s footsteps and wins the AL Rookie of the Year, then the Twins can start taking about a long-term extension.

The Boras Question

Scott Boras, the baseball super-agent, might be standing in the way of Minnesota getting any long-term deals in place. Forbes has named Boras as the most powerful sports agent in the world for six consecutive seasons. This off-season he negotiated Bryce Harper’s massive free agent deal. He has negotiated more than ten contracts worth over than $100 million including Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Chris Davis.

Kirilloff and Lewis are both represented by Boras. Of the trio mentioned above (Acuna, Albies and Jimenez), none are represented by Boras. Boras likes his clients to test the open waters of free agency, but free agency hasn’t been as lucrative in recent years. Could Boras buck the trend and give up some free agent years for Kirilloff or Lewis? We will all have to wait and see…

Do you think Kirilloff or Lewis will sign an extension in the next 12 months? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.