With the disappointment of their ALDS loss behind them, the Minnesota Twins are looking ahead to what could be a busy offseason.
The Twins have to make several decisions on their own free agents but there are plenty of options that can fill holes in the lineup, bolster the pitching staff and provide the type of depth that led them to a division title in 2023. Here’s a look at some pending free agents that could help the Twins take another step in 2024.
Blake Snell
The Twins already have an ace in Pablo López but they’ll have an interesting decision to make on Sonny Gray. At 34 years old, Gray will be one of the top starters on this year’s market, but if he decides to head elsewhere, the Twins could make a play for another top arm in Blake Snell.
The San Diego Padres were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball but Snell held up his end of the bargain, going 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA. With previous World Series experience and a relationship with Rocco Baldelli stemming from his time on Kevin Cash’s staff from 2014-17, maybe there’s mutual interest that leads the 31-year-old to Minnesota.
The problem is what kind of contract Snell could command. The Twins have been reluctant to dole out long-term contracts in free agency but did meet with top free-agent starter Carlos Rodón prior to the left-hander signing a six-year, $162 million contract with the New York Yankees last winter.
But if Gray rejects the approximately $20.5 million qualifying offer, the Twins should have some money to play with and could land one of the top starters on the market.
Kevin Kiermaier
One of the Twins’ best moves last offseason was to acquire Michael A. Taylor from the Kansas City Royals as an insurance policy for Byron Buxton. Taylor wound up playing the entire year in center field and filled in admirably but the Twins could use an upgrade heading into next season.
Kiermaier has the tools to fill that role as a former Gold Glove winner in center field. His 14 outs above average ranked second behind Colorado’s Brenton Doyle (16) and his 22.1% strikeout rate would be an improvement after Taylor placed in the third percentile with a 33.5% strikeout rate.
A counterargument would point to Taylor’s power at the plate but his 21 home runs and .442 slugging percentage were his highest marks since 2017. With the Twins needing more contact at the plate, Kiermaier could be a suitable replacement – especially if Buxton isn’t able to play in the outfield next year.
Jeimer Candelario
A major weakness for the Twins was their ability to hit left-handed hitters and signing Candelario could give them a solution while solving a problem at first base.
The Twins’ situation at first base is a fluid one as Alex Kirilloff will undergo surgery on his shoulder and Joey Gallo is expected to leave in free agency. While both players could return to fill the role, they also struggle against left-handers, which creates a need to bring back Donovan Solano.
But if Twins believe Solano can’t replicate this season’s success at age 37, Candelario could fill the void after hitting .254/.342/.451 with six homers and 20 RBI in 142 at-bats against southpaws while playing for the Nationals and Cubs this season.
Candelario wouldn’t be an attractive signing but it could be a functional one as the Twins look to add more effective bats to the lineup.
