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  • Offseason Handbook Preview: What Will the Minnesota Twins Do at Shortstop?


    Nick Nelson

    It was never a secret, and now it's more or less official: Carlos Correa is going to opt out of his contract and re-enter free agency in search of a career-making new deal. This leaves the Twins once again needing to address a vacancy at shortstop.

    So where do we go from here?

    Image courtesy of Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

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    Carlos Correa confirmed to a Puerto Rican newspaper last week his intent to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract and become a free agent. It comes as no surprise to the Twins' decision makers, who knew back in February they were essentially inking the star shortstop to a one-year deal.

    Enlisting Correa was an exciting, and ultimately worthwhile, gambit for the front office – even if it wasn't enough to make the difference for a team doomed by injuries. Alas, this gambit amounted to kicking the can down the road when it comes to charting out the franchise's future at shortstop.

    That open position now looms as a crucial linchpin in this coming offseason, and one we explore deeply in the next chapter of the Offseason Handbook. This three-part series of PDFs will be available exclusively to Twins Daily Caretakers when it drops on Tuesday. Stay dialed into your email inbox for these stories:

    • Courting Carlos Correa (Again): A thorough examination of the Twins as a suitor for Correa in the open market. 
    • Analyzing the Free Agent Shortstop Market: The 10 non-Correa options in free agency, ranked and profiled.
    • Organizational Depth Chart: Breaking down the system's depth at shortstop, level by level.

    Essentially, these pieces will equip you to answer three pivotal questions in determining the path forward at shortstop: Is re-signing Correa realistic (or wise)? If not, who else might they sign to replace him? And, perhaps most importantly, do you believe the long-term answer is already in the system?

    Sign up as a Caretaker at any tier to get access to these new chapters, as well as John's back-of-the-napkin payroll analysis from last week and all future premium content to come. You can use all of the information in these chapters to build your own roster at TwinsPayroll.com.

    The offseason ahead is full of weighty, complex decisions. Let's navigate them together, starting with priority number one.

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    In the immediate future, Urshela could be counted on to play some SS until they could consider Lewis, but that's a good chuck of the season and too risky for me.  I'd like to bring Correa back but feel as if that's our least probable outcome.  There's just no way to know WHO would be interested in him at at HOW MUCH.  The Twins will have to ride that tiger and see where it leads.

    I'm not interested in old, has-been SS's like Iglesias and Andrus.  I'd rather approach the Royals about a trade for either Adelberto Mondesi or Nicky Lopez.  Mondesi has great potential but is NEVER healthy.  It's a Byron Buxton "Ground Hog Day."  Still, if it wouldn't be too costly, I'd risk it and count on our crack training staff to get 150 games out of Mondesi (insert laugh track here).  Lopez is a pretty solid glove man at either SS or 2B.  Neither he or Mondesi have any future at SS with Bobby Witt Jr now in the majors.  The Royals could play Lopez at 2B or look for more offensive firepower than Lopez can provide. 

    I like the idea of checking in with the Yankees for Kiner-Falefa.  I believe BOTH Cabrera and Peraza will be on the Yanks major league roster next year and Kiner-Falefa could be acquired.  What would the Yankees want ?  Let's find out.    

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    1 hour ago, William K Johnson said:

    What's with him?   He plays well everywhere he goes but has trouble keeping a job.

    He's not really that good. He's the definition of "ok". He hasn't hit for more than a 40 game stretch since he was 23, his defense has clearly slipped since he turned 30, and most years he's more of a quality backup/utility level player, not a starter. not a fan of Iglesias, and think he would be a poor fit. I'd rather see them run Nick Gordon out there than waste a roster spot on Iglesias hoping that he'll have a career renaissance at 33.

    Andrus is only a year older, coming off a better season, and has a better track record. He probably won't be a 3 bWAR player next season, but I think he's more likely to be 2+ bWAR than Iglesias. Neither option is terribly exciting. 

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    I’ve liked Andrus over Iglesias—more pop, more speed and probably better defense. I’ve mentioned this elsewhere, but what will he demand in pay? Last year was his first good offensive season since 2017 and he will be 34 for most of next season. 

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