Twins general manager Terry Ryan has already made two big splashes in the free-agent pool this offseason, adding pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes for a combined $73 million.
Speaking on 1500 ESPN this morning, Ryan had this to say on further moves that may be coming: “I think we need to go in aggressively. I think there’s a few things here that we have that other clubs might have some interest in and vice versa.”
That certainly sounds like Ryan will be pursuing a trade in Orlando when the winter meetings get underway Monday.
A few likely spots continue to be pitcher, despite adding Nolasco and Hughes, and catcher, as Minnesota came up short on A.J. Pierzynski (Boston) and Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Miami). The prospects of adding a catcher in free agency appear slim, as Ryan asked aloud to the Pioneer Press last week “who’s out there?” That could leave a trade as the most likely option at catcher, with Josmil Pinto currently listed as the starter after hitting .342 in 21 games last year, though that is his only experience at the major league level.
It appears the Twins are happy in the infield with Joe Mauer at first and a middle infield of Brian Dozier and Pedro Florimon. They could look for help at third base with Trevor Plouffe coming off an underwhelming season, but that remains to be seen.
In the outfield, some combination of three between Alex Presley, Aaron Hicks, Josh Willingham, Oswaldo Arcia, and Darin Mastroianni will likely hold down the cushy green grass at Target Field.
Here’s a full guide to what the Twins may be looking to accomplish going into next week.
