3 players for Minnesota Twins to target this offseason

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The Minnesota Twins appeared to be on the verge of an unexpected postseason appearance.

Despite a plethora of injuries that would have doomed every other team, the Twins were tied with the Guardians for the AL Central lead on September 4. Then the Guardians went on a run, the Twins tanked as the injuries became too much to overcome, and Minnesota ended the season third in the division with a 78-84 record.

Three players for Minnesota Twins to target

The Twins also find themselves at a crossroads. Between free agency, opt outs, and players that just did not perform as hoped, the Twins have plenty of holes on their roster. At the same time, they project to have just $80 million committed to their 2023 roster with guaranteed deals and arbitration, making it possible that they could be players in the open market once again.

The 2022 season was the worst case scenario for the Minnesota Twins. Let’s look at three players they could target to get back to the postseason.

Carlos Correa

The Minnesota Twins already surprised everyone when they signed Carlos Correa ahead of the 2022 season on what was nominally a three year deal, although it had opt out clauses after each season.

It was not a surprise when Correa exercised that option to return to free agency. He had been considered the top shortstop available last season but no one was interested in meeting his contract demands. This time, with plenty of teams needing help at short and a less crowded market, he is looking to cash in.

At the same time, Correa has been vocal about how much his family enjoys living in Minnesota and his love for manager Rocco Baldelli. He clearly embraced the area and the culture of the team, potentially finding a home after spending his previous seven years in Houston. The Twins certainly have a chance.

But in the end, money is going to talk. If the Twins are going to keep Correa, it will involve a larger contract than they had ever given out before. Considering how much money they should have available, and how the Twins have already been in contact with Scott Boras to work on a new deal, it is entirely possible he stays in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Twins need consistent, productive bats in the lineup. Keeping Carlos Correa has to be their top priority.

Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Danny Jansen

While Sean Murphy is going to attract the most attention on the trade market, there are other options that could be available.

One such player is Blue Jays’ backstop Danny Jansen. With Alejandro Kirk and Gabriel Moreno both ready for the majors, Jansen finds himself in a difficult spot. The Blue Jays have toyed with turning Moreno into a super utility player as he does have minor league experience at first and third, but that could be the only way that they carry three catchers.

Jansen, meanwhile, had a solid year with the bat in a backup role. He produced an impressive .260/.339/.516 batting line with 15 homers and ten doubles in his 248 plate appearances in 2022. He was also solid defensively, throwing out 27% of would-be basestealers while saving five runs defensively.

The Twins do like Ryan Jeffers’ power and pitch framing ability behind the plate. However, they have also recognized that another option is needed, even talking about a co-catcher situation instead of a traditional backup role. Such an arrangement could be perfect for Jansen as the Twins could get another powerful bat into the lineup.

The Minnesota Twins are going to be looking for help behind the plate. Danny Jansen may be the perfect option for such a plan.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Noah Syndergaard

In theory, the Minnesota Twins already have a solid collection of starters. Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray, Tyler Mahle, Kenta Maeda, and Bailey Ober should be a strong rotation, with the likes of Josh Winder and Simeon Woods Richardson waiting in the wings. There is also the Chris Paddack enigma as he should be ready by the middle of the 2023 campaign.

The reality is that the Twins struggled with injuries as Ryan led the team with just 147 innings. Only four pitchers had over 100 innings last year and two of them are free agents. The Twins had 14 different pitchers make starts as they kept looking for something that could provide innings.

The Twins could also use someone with the potential to be a top of the rotation arm, although their various holes and potential depth make such a splurge unlikely. One option could be to bring in a pitcher on a one year deal to give them a chance to prove themselves once again. Noah Syndergaard would be a perfect candidate for such a move.

Syndergaard had a decent season in his first full year back from Tommy john surgery. He posted a 3.94 ERA and a 1.255 WHiP in his 134.2 innings between the Angels and Phillies, striking out 95 batters with 31 walks. Although his command was where it had been, he was not close to being the strikeout artist he had been in the past. Maybe, as Syndergaard would be another year removed from surgery, he can rediscover that form and be a dominant option again.

The Minnesota Twins need to find another top of the rotation arm. Noah Syndergaard may be a gamble, but he could be that pitcher they need.

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