The Minnesota Twins missed out on Carlos Correa and Carlos Rodón, but there are three avenues this front office can take to have a successful offseason.

1. Sign Dansby Swanson

After missing out on Correa, the Twins need to figure out what they want to do at shortstop. They traded for Kyle Farmer, who can be a stopgap option at short until Royce Lewis/Brooks Lee are ready to go.

They could also slide Jorge Polanco to short and have Luis Arraez play second in the meantime.

The Twins have options, so throwing the bank at Swanson isn’t necessary. However, he is a really good player and would be a good addition to the clubhouse.

Last season, he recorded a wins above replacement of 5.7, which was T-22nd in baseball. He also hit .277, with 25 home runs and drove in 96 runs. He also posted an OPS+ of 115 and can play great defense.

https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1580363469014323201

The Twins were dead last in stolen bases at 38. Swanson alone had 18 last year, which is almost half of what the Twins posted. He’s got pop, good defense, and speed – three things this team could use.

The question becomes, can he replicate his 2022 numbers? He had a good 2021 season, but last year was far and away his best season. The Twins have young prospects knocking on the door, but you never know if they’re a sure thing.

2. Sign Swanson, trade for SP1

The Twins have missed out on multiple big-name free agents, and this roster needs a clear-cut No. 1 pitcher in the rotation.

If Minnesota can get Swanson, then trading Arraez becomes more of a possibility. There isn’t a spot for him on the field that makes sense.

• First: Alex Kirilloff
• Second: Polanco
• Shortstop: Swanson
• Third: Jose Miranda

Lewis will also return at some point next season. Is Arraez going to DH most nights? It’s possible, but the Twins want to keep that spot open because they want to give other players rest (mainly Byron Buxton).

I don’t think the Tampa Bay Rays would trade any of their pitchers, but they’re a team I’d be calling. Could they get Corbin Burnes/Brandon Woodruff or Zac Gallen?

If Minnesota can get one of these pitchers from one of those teams, and sign Swanson, then that would solidify a good offseason.

3. Multiple free agents at a smaller cost

Let’s look at who they could sign if they miss out on Swanson too. The Twins need to add one more starting pitcher, a corner outfielder and an infielder. Who’s left that makes sense?

• Starting Pitchers: Nathan Eovaldi
• Corner Outfielders: Jurickson Profar, Michael Brantley, Andrew Benintendi, Joey Gallo, Wil Myers
• Infielders: Trey Mancini, Brandon Drury, Elvis Andrus

There aren’t many starting pitchers that make total sense for the Twins to sign. It’s becoming increasingly clear that if they want to add a legit arm, they’ll have to do so through the trade market. Minnesota already has a lot of tier two-three pitchers, so adding Eovaldi feels redundant.

There are some intriguing options for the Twins to pivot to in the outfield/infield. They need to add at least one more bat because the offense last year went missing way too much.

Mancini can play right field and first base and would be a great addition to the roster. Andrus is creeping up in age, but he finished with a WAR of 3.0 last year.

Brantley had a disappointing season and wasn’t healthy. That could shy away the Twins, as he will be 36 next season, and Minnesota dealt with their fair share of injuries last year. Benintendi and Profar are the best available, but will the front office pursue them?

There are a few different avenues for this front office to take after missing out on Correa and Rodón. They need to sign Swanson and trade for an SP1. If they don’t, the Pohlad’s can kiss their fan attendance goodbye.