3 moves for the Minnesota Twins this offseason
The Minnesota Twins had high hopes for the 2021 season. They had won the AL Central in each of the past two seasons, and while the White Sox had drastically improved, the division was still theirs for the taking. Maybe there were some questions about the pitching staff, but for the most part, the Twins appeared to have the type of team that could contend for a postseason berth.
But the games are not played on paper or in a computer simulation. The Twins’ attempt to rebuild their rotation was a disaster. Injuries decimated the roster, leading to a fire sale that saw the team get rid of several mainstays. Instead of contending for the division, the Twins finished dead last in the AL Central.
3 moves for the Minnesota Twins this offseason
That does not mean that the near future is bleak in Minnesota. The Twins have several young arms that appear to be ready to make a difference at the major league level. Their lineup is still solid, and with an addition or two, could be even better. The Twins could compete again in 2022.
Let’s take a look at three moves the Minnesota Twins should make this offseason.
Extend Byron Buxton
The Minnesota Twins are in a difficult spot when it comes to Byron Buxton.
There is no questioning his talent. His blend of power and speed makes him an asset in the middle of their lineup, someone who is truly a game changing talent. He is also an excellent defensive center fielder, a former Gold Glove winner who has saved 60 runs in just 485 games at the position.
But there is a reason why he has just 485 games in center in parts of seven seasons. Buxton cannot stay healthy, appearing in more than 92 games just once in his major league career. Any long term deal will have to factor in his injury history.
Yet the Twins are clearly a better team with him in the lineup. This is something that both sides are aware of. As such, the Twins have attempted to extend Buxton, but his representatives have asked for far more than the organization has offered. Given his injury history, and how another shortened season could be disastrous to his free agency hopes, one has to imagine that the two sides can find a middle ground.
The Minnesota Twins need Byron Buxton for the long term. Their top priority this offseason should be to find a way to make an extension happen.
Address the pitching staff
The Minnesota Twins have building blocks in their rotation. Joe Ryan appears to be a future middle of the rotation arm, and Bailey Ober had a solid performance when pressed into duty last season. Kenta Maeda is hoping to return sometime after the All Star Break after having a brace put into his elbow, but his presence for the upcoming year is questionable at best.
Even with Maeda back in the rotation, the Twins need to find some more arms. While they are not typically going to shop at the top of the free agent market, there are some solid secondary options that would work well. The likes of Jon Gray, Wade Miley, or even bringing Michael Pineda back would go a long way to shoring up the rotation for another run.
The same approach can be taken to the bullpen. Closer is a possible need, as Alex Colome has a mutual option worth $5.5 million for 2022. He was not exactly the closer he had been, but he was able to shake off a rough first three months to be solid down the stretch. It is possible both sides pick up their end of the option for next year.
That does not change the fact that the Twins will need to add some depth. Arms such as Corey Knebel or Yusmeiro Petit would be solid additions that may not cost much, allowing the Twins to address their needs in the rotation.
The Minnesota Twins have a solid foundation to their pitching staff. However, they need to add more pieces if they expect to compete.
Bring back Nelson Cruz
There is no questioning the love that the Minnesota Twins and Nelson Cruz have for one another.
Even when Cruz was sent to the Rays prior to the trade deadline, he kept tabs on his former team. He insisted on meeting Joe Ryan, one of the prospects that were sent to Minnesota for his services. Cruz even continued to make an impact after he left, as Bailey Ober used one of bats to collect his first major league hit.
Although he will turn 42 years old next season, Cruz is not showing any signs of slowing down. He was an All Star in 2021, posting a 130 OPS+ with 32 homers and 21 doubles in his 584 plate appearances, even chipping in three steals. There is still plenty of life left in his bat.
Cruz plans on coming back for the upcoming season. His continued power will make him a highly sought after commodity, especially as the designated hitter is expected to come to the National League. However, his heart seemingly belongs to Minnesota.
Next. The importance of Byron Buxton. dark
The Minnesota Twins could use another power bat in the lineup. It would not be a surprise if they turn to a familiar face this offseason.