Minnesota Twins Offseason Blueprint

(by Jonathan Lewis MSU Contributor)

After what can only be deemed a successful season by the Minnesota Twins there is room for improvement as the young core continues to progress. Here are a few things I would do if given the ability to be GM for the offseason:

1. Keep Eduardo Escobar at third: The Twins had to play a majority of the second half without slugger Miguel Sano, yet still ended up making the playoffs. Escobar stepped in for Sano and played third base at a very high level, high enough that he should be treated as the starter going forward. But what happens to Sano? Sano isn’t going anywhere, other than to full time DH. That will save wear and tear on Sano’s body and if Mauer needs a day off at first or Escobar a day off at third, Sano can still fill in at both spots.
2. Sign an OF bat: With the Twins outfield pretty much set with Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Max Kepler this is not as high of a priority as other items on this list, but getting the lineup tweaked is the easiest place to start. Super utility man Ehire Adrianza is a wizard with the glove, but having someone that can patrol the outfield when one of the regular 3 starters needs a break would put less pressure on Adrianza to have to fill those lineup spots too. The Twins could elect to make a big splash, going after the likes of JD Martinez or Lorenzo Cain, but it seems more likely that they would go after a more veteran bat that can still play the outfield at a high level. Two targets I find particularly appealing are Rajai Davis and Austin Jackson. Both can play all 3 outfield spots and bring some speed with them. And while they may not win you any games when in the lineup, they won’t hurt you, which is exactly what the Twins need.
3. Sign a Starter: Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios are pegged to be at the top of the Twins rotation next year, but they could use some help. Santana is the twins ace and had an incredibly good season, and Berrios showed promise, but behind that the Twins need some rotation depth. Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn and Tyler Chatwood are 3 starters the Twins should seriously pursue. Arrieta would bring playoff experience, having been an integral part of the Cubs rotation during their World Series run last year. Lynn and Chatwood would bring durability and dependability. The hope would be for the Twins to get 2 of those names, but Arrieta might be priced out of the Twins range already. Adding 1 or 2 of those names would immediately give the Twins a rotation to compete with Cleveland for the division next year.
4. Add an Impact Reliever: This is more of a wish than an actual need. The Twins have several young arms that have already made an impact at the major league level. Whether it be Alan Busenitz, Trevor Hildenberger, Gabriel Moya or John Curtiss the Twins have many prominent arms to choose from. But they could use one more arm to lead by example. And fresh off a successful season with the Chicago Cubs, the Twins should go all-in on Wade Davis. The Twins had plenty of opportunities to see Davis when he was with Kansas City, and he has shown he can handle the closers role. If the Twins were to add Davis, the rest of the bullpen could settle into natural roles and the Twins would have a great shot at a deep playoff run.

If the Twins follow these guidelines they will be set up for a great year. My guess is they may try some of these, but one thing is clear, the core is ready and it’s time to make some noise in the American League.