Class Reunion: 3 Former Twins Who Might Fit On the 2024 Roster

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have made depth a priority over the last year. Would the club consider a reunion with any of these former Twins for next season?

Image courtesy of Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Some players leave an organization with fans hoping to see the player return at some point in their playing careers. Torii Hunter fit that mold for the Twins by playing seven years away from Minnesota before returning for his final season. Other players can leave on a sour note, and fans may hesitate to welcome them back into the fold. 

Each player below has a different skill set near the end of their career. Health has impacted all three former Twins in recent years, with two players failing to appear in a big-league game last season. Because of those concerns, none of the options would come at a significant cost, and there is potential to sign two of these players to minor league contracts. Here’s a rundown of the former Twins and what they have done in recent years.

Jake Odorizzi, SP
Odorizzi was last on the mound for the Twins during their playoff series versus the Houston Astros in 2020. In three years with the club, he posted a 107 ERA+ and was selected for the 2019 All-Star Game. Following the 2020 season, he signed a three-year, $29.5 million contract with the Astros. Houston kept him for a season and a half before dealing him to Atlanta. His stop in Atlanta was even shorter, as he was limited to 10 starts in a Braves uniform. Odorizzi spent the 2023 season in the Rangers organization but never appeared in a game. In April, he had an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his throwing shoulder. 

2024 Twins Fit: The Twins love depth, especially starting pitching depth to begin the season. Odorizzi can likely be signed on a minor-league deal where he has to prove himself at Triple-A before getting an opportunity at the big-league level. Some of Odorizzi’s best seasons came in a Twins uniform, and he might want the opportunity to prove himself again on a team fighting for a division title. 

Aaron Hicks, OF
Many viewed Hicks as the next great Twins center fielder, following a line from Kirby Puckett to Hunter. In three seasons with the Twins, he posted an 81 OPS+ before Minnesota traded him to the Yankees leading into the 2016 season. Hicks seemed to put it all together in New York with a 120 OPS+ from 2017-20, and the Yankees signed him to a 5-year, $49.43 million extension. His performance dropped off significantly over the last three seasons to the point where the Yankees released him with over $20 million left on his contract. He signed a veteran minimum contract with Baltimore and revitalized his career (127 OPS+ in 65 games) while helping the Orioles win the AL East.

2024 Twins Fit: It seems likely for the Orioles to want Hicks back after helping the team during the second half. He is a free agent, available to any team at age 34. In 2023, he posted a .970 OPS against left-handed pitching, one of the Twins’ biggest struggles. Would he like to continue his redemption story where it all started?

Miguel Sano, 1B/DH
Sano last played in the big leagues with the Twins in 2022 when he went 5-for-60 (.083 BA) with 25 strikeouts in 20 games. This past season, he held a showcase in February for interested teams, but it wasn’t clear that he was fully healthy. Sano remained unsigned and hasn’t had a professional at-bat since July 2022. He will likely need to sign a minor league deal with a spring training invite and earn a roster spot for next season. 

2024 Twins Fit: The Twins currently have a giant question mark at first base for next season. Alex Kirilloff and Jose Miranda are recovering from shoulder injuries, and the club has hesitated to give Edouard Julien an extended look at first base. If healthy, Sano has shown the potential to be a right-handed power threat. However, there are probably too many bridges burned in Minnesota for a reunion to make sense for either side. 

Which player makes the most sense for next year’s roster? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[farmerguychris]

I suppose I'd be ok with Miguel on a minor league deal for depth.  If he were to get on one of his hot streaks he could be worth calling up.  Once he got cold, send him down again.

[nicksaviking]

Maybe Odorizzi if he does the Dallas Keuchel bit, but the Twins already have younger and more talented players waiting in the wings that can do what Hicks and Sano would do. And obviously I'd want none of these guys on a MLB deal.

Also, I know it makes me sound like a Bah Humbug, but I don't have interest in doing the 'reunion' bit until after this team wins a championship and it's time to get all sentimental. Otherwise with the history and the organizational ties I'd be concerned they'd get much longer leashes than other free agents of the same caliber.

[weneedneshek]

I think Hicks is the only one I find somewhat intriguing. Could feasibly fit the Garlick/Luplow role we've had the past couple years but with a tad more upside. Id be fine with Odorizzi on a minor league deal if he would do it. I don't see any point in Sano

[Cory Engelhardt]

I'm surprised you didn't list Kyle Gibson, or even Mitch Garver (as a dh/3rd catcher?)  But this is a fun talker :)

[EGFTShaw]

Nothing personal, but no thanks.

Sano only on a minor league deal to see if he can fix his swing.

The only thing that makes me more nervous about FA pitchers is FA pitchers we let go...

🤪

[rv78]

No. No. AND No. Why the love for washed up veterans? Gee, lets bring back Gallo too.

[DJL44]

I'm surprised Sano has yet to formally retire. He's done playing baseball professionally.

[Craig Arko]

I don’t think so. The past is past.

[Steve Lein]

If Sano is healthy and gotten himself into shape, I wouldn't be against an MiLB deal, provided other things check out. He would have a very short leash.

No on Odorizzi.

Hicks could fill that Garlick/Luplow role just fine, maybe push Larnach and Wallner a little. 

All that being said, none of these guys would be anywhere near a top target list I'd put together. Heck, probably not on the top target list of former Twins.

[old nurse]

8 minutes ago, Steve Lein said:

If Sano is healthy and gotten himself into shape, I wouldn't be against an MiLB deal, provided other things check out. He would have a very short leash.

No on Odorizzi.

Hicks could fill that Garlick/Luplow role just fine, maybe push Larnach and Wallner a little. 

All that being said, none of these guys would be anywhere near a top target list I'd put together. Heck, probably not on the top target list of former Twins.

Sano was last in shape about a decade ago.  

[JD-TWINS]

Hick’s revival year was a .258BA & a .4 WAR …….maybe a .8 WAR over a fully utilized season? We gotta have a couple guys in minors that can bring those numbers & play better defense.

Sano seems to be retired, for valid reasons.

Odorizzi could be signed to a Minor League contract to July 1……….and then we have interest & sign him or he is freed up to go wherever. He could be a depth option to help them like Kuechel did in ‘23. Not a terrible thought.

Garver isn’t going anywhere - his club is in the Series and he’s the DH 50% of the time & back-up Catcher. He’ll re-sign with Rangers!

[Mike Sixel]

I knew clicking on this story would make me shake my head in wonderment, and I was right. Just. Wow. 

[Steve Lein]

8 minutes ago, old nurse said:

Sano was last in shape about a decade ago.  

Why I included such a note, and why not likely. 🤣

[old nurse]

I don’t think there is an ex Twin out there that is a free agent that has anything left to offer. Travis May retired. The Twins were not going to pay that much for a reliever anyways

[RpR]

41 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I'm surprised Sano has yet to formally retire. He's done playing baseball professionally.

I am surprised he is not over seas with La Tortuga.

But unless he went on a real diet, he is going nowhere.

[Twins GFP]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I knew clicking on this story would make me shake my head in wonderment, and I was right. Just. Wow. 

I concur.  I was expecting something realistic like Lamont Wade, Kyle Gibson, or Zack Littell.  Heck, I could even hear arguments for Eddie Rosario.  

Miguel Sano?  Really?   Kind of embarrassing...

[Althebum82]

Confidence is high that somehow, SOME WAY, the Twins will find a solution or two at first base better than a Sano reunion.  He has apparently turned his back not only on MLB/MiLB but the rest of the planet's professional baseball organizations (including his home country).  

Maybe on Odorizzi if the Keuchel reclamation project is ended, but let's please not allocate any more resource to taking on more than one of these at a time.

Let's not forget that Hicks's good times with the Twins were also mixed with periods of baffling ineptitude.  It seems he only accentuated the highs and lows during his time with the Yankees.  I frankly would not have the stomach to handle the drama over which Aaron Hicks takes the field for the Twins.  

[EGFTShaw]

1 hour ago, rv78 said:

No. No. AND No. Why the love for washed up veterans? Gee, lets bring back Gallo too.

on a multiyear contract???

BTW - I didn't get the JG signing last year.  At the time I said with Kepler (who showed up this year and happy for it.  Soft spot for Kep), and Gallo the Twins had 2 outfielders and one hitter. 😁

[strumdatjag]

La Tortuga makes more sense.   And still doesn’t.  

[Rod Carews Birthday]

MAYBE Odorizzi on a Keuchel-like deal.  No way to the other two.  When a guy like Torii Hunter came back, he had been and still was a star, not someone hanging on and scraping by.  No soft spot for any of those guys.  If we don't have better options in the minors, I'd be surprised, and if we don't, we should be looking elsewhere for some trades or FA's.  Maybe Big Papi wants to come out of retirement.  I'm sure he's not in shape!

[Patzky]

Sano..Gano..Gallo..

[CRF]

Is this a RandBalls Stu piece?

[Brandon]

2 hours ago, weneedneshek said:

I think Hicks is the only one I find somewhat intriguing. Could feasibly fit the Garlick/Luplow role we've had the past couple years but with a tad more upside. Id be fine with Odorizzi on a minor league deal if he would do it. I don't see any point in Sano

This.⬆️

[minman1982]

Does Odorizzi want a minor league deal or will someone give him a chance to pitch in MLB right away next season? I am also not sure if having him in AAA makes sense. There are plenty of young pitchers down there that need the experience right now.

Aaron Hicks could make a nice Byron Buxton insurance plan but I would rather resign Michael A. Taylor.

I wouldn't want Sano if he paid the Twins to let him play. Too much baggage to be worth it.

 

[RpR]

4 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Sano..Gano..Gallo..

Gallo had 21 home runs and was an excellant fielder; comparing him to Sano's last time with the Twins is obtuse.

At that , I had forgotten how huge Sano's collapse between '21 and '22 was.

[MTV]

Odorizzi on a minor-league deal would work, I wouldn’t have a problem with that. Hicks hasn’t shown enough consistency to be considered a reliable option, it’s hard to ignore his struggles in New York for one good half-season in Baltimore. Sano shouldn’t be considered an option, period.

[High heat]

I’m up for giving any of these guys on a minor league deal.  Hicks is for sure getting a big league deal so he’s a no.  
 

Sano might be able to hit 50 Hr in the bang box at CHS field!  

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, old nurse said:

I don’t think there is an ex Twin out there that is a free agent that has anything left to offer. Travis May retired. The Twins were not going to pay that much for a reliever anyways

Mitch Garver is a free agent and sure looks to have something left to offer. But, other than him, there really isn't anyone worth discussing. Oh, and it's Trevor May.

[MMMordabito]

Off-season content bargain bin pushed out past the awning.  Read after watching your 99-cent Blue Crush DVD.