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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

Mitch Haniger is an ideal candidate to add some right-handed thump to a lineup that lost its best right-handed hitter this offseason. Image courtesy of Steven Bisig - USA Today Sports The slow erosion that was the 2022 season has given way to guarded excitement as we enter free agency. The Twins have a true tabula rasa, with around $60 million to spend to get in the ballpark of last year’s payroll total. Much of the focus has centered on shortstop, catcher, and high upside starting pitching, understandably so. I’d argue a right-handed, outfield power-bat should be on the shopping list, too. Enter Mitch Haniger. Twins Need a Viable, Right Handed, Big Bat Haniger would serve several purposes in the Twins lineup; let's address a few. He’d replace the thump that somewhat absorbs losing Carlos Correa. While there are rumblings that the Twins are preparing to offer Correa the largest contract in franchise history, it remains unlikely the Twins will add one of the uber-shortstops this winter, in which case, they need a right-handed power bat. Additionally, the Twins need to bring balance to their outfield. Byron Buxton and Kyle Garlick combined to play 158 games for the Twins in 2022 (many at DH). Beyond these two players, the Twins outfield options (Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, Alex Kirilloff, Matt Wallner) are left-handed. Haniger Doesn’t Break the Bank Let’s deal with some elephants in some rooms. First, Haniger does not have a good health track record. Since 2018, he’s alternated playing close to 160 games, or 60 games in a season. While you may have already stopped reading given the Twins recent track record with injuries, they hired a new athletic trainer and it’s a new season. In 2022, Haniger’s missed time was largely due to a high ankle sprain. Haniger’s injury history also means a more reasonable price point. MLB Trade Rumors projected his contract to be 3 years, $39 million. In the last two seasons in which Haniger has remained healthy, he’s put up 7.3 fWAR. That’s plenty good value. It’s unlikely, but if Haniger didn’t like the offers he received early in the offseason, perhaps he’d take a two-year deal at a higher AAV (2 years, $32 million). At just 31, that seems feasible. Massive Upside Lastly, let’s talk upside. Haniger is a monster when healthy. He’s also a pull side right-handed hitter, which would play well at Target Field. In his major league career, Haniger has shown significant consistency, putting up a career .476 SLG, 122 wRC+, and .811 OPS. If he’s on the field, you know what you’re going to get. In Haniger’s last two full seasons, he’s combined for 60 home runs, so an expectation of 30 in 150 games seems reasonable. Lastly, Haniger adds some experience to an extremely young core. There’s a lot to like. Clearly, much of what the Twins accomplish this offseason will depend on their solution at shortstop. If they fail to land one of the premier options, a pivot to Haniger as a high impact bat, and an elite front of the rotation starter would soften the blow for me. What do you think of Mitch Haniger as a fit for the Twins? Who are other options you’d consider as big bats beyond the elite start shortstops this offseason? View full article