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While focusing in on Carlos Correa in free agency, the Twins have had multiple conversations, made offers, and ultimately looked to pick their spots. That has led to just a few deals, but there is still one player available that could be of benefit to them. Image courtesy of Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports It shouldn’t be crazy to think that the prize of the Minnesota free agent spending spree will be Carlos Correa. Regardless of how he wound up back with the Twins, they stand to benefit massively from his return on a six-year deal. He joins both Joey Gallo and Christian Vazquez as talents paid for during this cycle. Two areas have still gone unaddressed by Derek Falvey and Thad Levine. A need for a pitcher with at least Sonny Gray stuff, and a right-handed bat to help balance the outfield. We have heard plenty regarding trades involving either Luis Arraez or Max Kepler, but at this point, any return would be unknown. Looking at the free agent market, there is still a formidable asset available in the form of Jurickson Profar. A former top prospect, Profar has settled into a utility role that has him largely focused on the outfield. Last season with the San Diego Padres saw him produce a 111 OPS+ and 2.5 fWAR. After making $8 million in 2022, we should have some idea as to where a new deal could come in. He would ultimately be replacing Kyle Garlick as the right-handed platoon option for the Twins, and the threshold of value would need to be something similar to that of Kepler’s. With Adam Duvall, Wil Myers, A.J. Pollock, and Tommy Pham all getting deals just slightly below what Kepler is set to make in 2023, it could also be argued that Profar wouldn’t be worth a massive payday. In theory, Profar could produce 3.0 to 4.0 fWAR over a full season. Admittedly, that would be a high-water mark for him, and his playing time probably won’t be what it was in San Diego. We do know that the Twins offered Andrew McCutchen the same deal that he took from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they at least had some dialogue with Pollock. Getting more than just a right-handed masher has value as well, and Profar actually has better splits when facing righties anyways. With plenty of money to spend on upgrading the roster, you can bet leaders like Correa and Byron Buxton are still pushing for the front office to add. Profar would represent an addition with upside and help to even the outfield. If they opt to go a different route, they likely need to trade from their major-league surplus, and pushing the needle on either Arraez or Kepler could have challenges in and of themselves. At this point, things should start to get interesting for the Twins' front office. Falvey told the media that he expected the trade market to pick up after the New Year. They hooked the big fish in Correa over two weeks ago. With less than a month until Spring Training, finding a way to finalize deals should be the focus. If there is something we should have learned by now, it’s that this front office is never done seeking ways to improve. As long as the offseason is still going, and even into the action down in Fort Myers, they will continue exploring all avenues. If the Twins are looking for an impact right-handed outfielder in free agency, Jurickson Profar is probably the final option. If not him, then they will need to make a trade and lose talent to gain talent. View full article

The highlight of the last week for the Twins was when Carlos Correa shocked the baseball world and returned to Minnesota on a long-term deal. Everyone involved with the organization has been riding that high, but did they miss a big opportunity as Andrew McCutchen returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates? Image courtesy of David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports First and foremost, it is important to note that it seems as though Andrew McCutchen is looking for a farewell tour. The Pittsburgh Pirates are not good, will not be good, and probably won’t be any better any time soon. That said, McCutchen is among the best clubhouse guys in baseball, and he certainly can make an impact from a veteran leadership standpoint. McCutchen recently turned 36 years old and is going back to the place he was drafted by and called home for the first nine years of his Major League career. He opted to do that despite reports suggesting the Minnesota Twins made the exact same offer, and the Mets were willing to pay him even more (though we do know the Pohlad’s can best Steve Cohen when they want). Knowing that it wasn’t purely a financial decision for the former MVP winner, there is no real reason to wonder what it would have taken for him to wind up in Minnesota. What is understandable to be disappointed about is that his addition to the roster could have made a substantial difference. Over the course of free agency it is clear that Minnesota has engaged with right-handed hitting outfielders to help balance their roster. Currently ripe with left-handed hitters, someone to expand upon the role Kyle Garlick had last year is a must. Someone like Mitch Haniger could have been an option, although much more expensive. A.J. Pollock was a player the Twins had discussions with, and McCutchen is obviously a guy they saw being a fit. Looking at what is left, it is hard not to be at least a little bit disappointed it won’t be the Pirates outfielder. As noted previously, McCutchen would have been a great addition to a clubhouse that really seems to have gelled. Correa already brings back a high level of leadership, and McCutchen would have only added to that alongside Byron Buxton. He also remains very fast down the line, and it is clear his plate approach can be utilized especially when facing southpaws. It would seem odd for the Twins to suddenly cease attempting to find another right-handed option, so we’ll now have to be patient with what emerges. Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Adam Duvall could be a fit, or maybe there is someone on the trade market that Minnesota’s front office likes better. We won’t be able to evaluate if the alternative is better than what McCutchen could’ve brought until we know who it is, but right now it looks too bad that the talented star wanted to head home. View full article