Signing a free agent
Incredibly, there are just two free agent shortstops left on the market, though both are veterans that could offer something of value to the Twins at the position.
Former Twin J.J. Hardy has had difficulty staying healthy in the last few seasons, not playing more than 115 games since 2014. He’s also struggled to produce while on the field, hitting .237/.275/.350 over the last three seasons with his once-powerful bat only able to produce 12 home runs per 162 games. While he’s not been on the field much, he’s still shown an excellent glove when he’s been on the field, something he used to do as one of the league’s best.
Hardy would likely only require a minor league contract to bring in, and if he’s in good physical health, he could be a prime veteran presence, but it may say something that the Twins had the same opportunity to sign Hardy as they did Aybar and chose Aybar instead (though perhaps Hardy was unwilling to accept a minor league deal at that time, whereas he may have changed his mind at this point).
The other name left with shortstop background is Stephen Drew. Drew has been playing a utility role for the last couple of seasons with the Washington Nationals, but in just 2015, Drew hit 17 home runs in 131 games with the Yankees. Drew, like Hardy has been plagued by injuries (and role), playing more than 100 games just twice since 2011.
While not the defender that Hardy is, Drew’s bat has still been present (low-average, above-average power) as a utility player, and he’s shown average shortstop skills, but also 35, like Hardy, Drew is not a guy to expect to suddenly find youth and play a full, healthy season.
With not many great options on the free agent market, what about the trade market?
Next: Trade options