Minnesota Twins Season Goals for Success in 2017
By Tim Boyle
Trade Away Bad Contracts
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. It’s also a place with nearly as many bad MLB contracts. While they have remained conservative with many deals, it’s fair to say several of the veterans are overpaid.
Former star Joe Mauer excluded, the Twins have several players on bad deals they could move this year. Mauer has not played well enough for any team to have interest in him. A first baseman with limited power is not exactly desirable.
One of those players they could move is pitcher Ervin Santana. His deal only falls into a negative territory due to the lack of help around him. Santana pitched very well for the Twins last year and was a trade deadline consideration. No deal ever came through. The $27 million guaranteed to him over the next two seasons with an option in 2019 is not overwhelming. A strong first half should result in Santana swapping uniforms at the trade deadline.
A more difficult trade candidate is starting pitcher Phil Hughes. He is signed through 2019 with a $13.2 million salary each season. He did not pitch particular well last year either. It’s going to take a desperate team and a great start for anyone to consider him.