Ranking the Minnesota Twins’ positional needs
The Minnesota Twins have a lot of work to do this offseason, but where do some of these needs rank on the priority list?
Priority No. 1 is to re-sign Carlos Correa. However, finding a shortstop isn’t at the top of the wish list. That sounds contradictory, but it makes sense. Correa is one of the best players in baseball, and the Twins are a better team with him on the roster. However, finding a replacement if he leaves isn’t as big of a need because you have Royce Lewis.
The Twins finished 78-84 and fumbled away a lot of games. If they want to compete this year, here are some things they need to address this offseason:
1. No. 1 Ace
The Twins have a lot of good starting pitchers, but they’re missing a clear-cut No.1. Tyler Mahle is good, but where would he rank in the playoffs amongst Game 1 starters? Probably in the bottom three. Then you have Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and a few others. Those are all solid options, but they’re not elite. If Minnesota can sign someone like Carlos Rodón or Justin Verlander, then the Twins’ starting rotation is looking NICE.
- Rodon/Verlander
- Mahle
- Gray
- Ryan
- Ober
2. Backup catcher
The Twins’ catching situation was a major disappointment. They were really banking on Gary Sánchez and Ryan Jeffers, and that just didn’t work. Jeffers is a quality backup catcher because of his power, but he’s not an everyday starter. Minnesota should target players like Willson Contreras or Omar Narvaez.
3. Relief Pitching
The Twins’ bullpen lowkey might be pretty sound. They had their problems last year, but some of that was due to overuse. The Twins have more starters than spots available, which means a few might be headed to the bullpen.
Mix that in with a healthy Jorge Alcala and Kenta Maeda, and the Twins have a combination of weapons. Jorge López will hopefully bounce back with a full offseason and Spring Training.
If the Twins can add one or two high-leverage arms, they’ll be sitting pretty.
4. Corner Outfielder
Minnesota has plenty of options in the outfield, but they need to add one more quality bat. Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach have struggled to stay on the field and relying on Max Kepler and Matt Wallner wouldn’t be wise.
The Twins should look into someone like Mitch Haniger or… and hear me out, a buy-low candidate in Cody Bellinger. If that doesn’t do it for you, then Joc Pederson or Andrew Benintendi are quality options too.
There are plenty of avenues for the front office to take this offseason. They have a lot of spending power, but the question is, will they? That’s to be determined.
Stay tuned to Let’s Talk Minnesota Sports for all your Twins’ offseason news.