Catching up on the Minnesota Twins offseason
The MLB is currently in a lockout, but let’s look at the Minnesota Twins coaching staff changes, the 40-man roster, some transactions and the Rule 5 Draft.
Coaching Staff:
After a disappointing season from the Twins, there were going to be some changes to the coaching staff. Here are the four new additions:
- Jayce Tingler: Bench Coach
- David Popkins: Hitting Coach
- Luis Ramirez: Assistant Pitching Coach
- Hank Conger Frist Base/Catching Coach
Tingler was the San Diego Padres manager for two seasons (2020, 2021) and held a 116-106 record. Obviously, that’s not 324 games, but the 2020 season was shortened to 60 games. At 41, there’s a lot for him to learn, and he will be a great addition to the staff.
Popkins is only 31 years old and will be coming into the season with no MLB experience. Before earning the promotion to the big leagues, he was the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers High-A club.
Ramirez has been in the Twins organization for the last 16 years and was most recently the pitching coach for the Wichita Wind Surge.
Conger was a catcher in the MLB from 2010-2016 and was previously a catching coach for the Korea Baseball Organization.
40-man Roster:
The additions and subtractions to the 40-man roster were pretty significant. The biggest name on the list is fan-favorite, Willians Astudillo. Unfortunately, he will not be returning to the Twins, but the decision to move on from him was the right choice.
The players they added are names you might be familiar with. A lot of those guys are some of the organization’s top prospects. Hopefully, we’re able to see some of those guys this season.
Another notable decision by the Twins was waiving Jake Cave and releasing him from the 40-man roster. He didn’t really carry much value unless Byron Buxton was injured, and even then he was a negative asset.
Free Agency/Re-Signings:
The biggest news this offseason for the Twins was agreeing to a contract extension with Buxton. Minnesota couldn’t afford to let him walk because he’s so damn good when healthy. The contract has a lot of incentives, which was likely with all the injuries he’s suffered in the past. Nonetheless, Buxton is a Twin for another seven years.
Minnesota and Tyler Duffey avoided arbitration and agreed to a $3.8 million contract. Duffey has been a staple of the bullpen but had an up-and-down season last year. He should bounce back and be a major contributor out of the pen next season.
Along with Duffey, Minnesota agreed to terms with Jharel Cotton and Caleb Thielbar. The Twins non-tendered (made them free agents) Danny Coulombe, Trevor Megill and Juan Minaya.
Hours before the MLB Lockout, the Twins signed Dylan Bundy to a one-year deal. He’s had success in the past but was pretty bad last season. If you want to know more about him, check out the article I wrote here.
Rule 5 Draft:
Minnesota didn’t acquire anyone via the Rule 5 Draft, but they did lose Gabriel Maciel to the Oakland Athletics.
Maciel was a 22-year-old outfielder who hit .238 last season at High-A. He wasn’t a power hitter but did have some great speed on the basepaths. The Twins have screwed themselves over in the past with this whole deal, and hopefully, this one doesn’t come back them in the ass.
