Does the Twins FO know the off-season started?

[CoastiePilot08]

On 12/20/2023 at 11:53 AM, Nine of twelve said:

Significant nitpick: I attended both Twins victories in the first round vs Toronto.

Meh. The WC round doesn’t move the needle for me. 

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

While I mostly agree, I don't think there's a lot of "next level" talent in the organization. If the Twins want to trade prospects, they have 4-5 untouchables and then a lot of guys with so-so value. With no free agent signings to date, there are about a half dozen slated for St. Paul who could be helpful and then (IMHO) quite a fall off. Trading someone slated for St. Paul with a call-up likely in their future (Martin, Larnach, Miranda, Lee) leaves the Twins pretty low in available depth, especially on the pitching side. 

If the Twins get 120 games out of seven of the nine projected starters (counting the two catchers as one) and 600 innings out of the five guys in the rotation at the start of the year, they should be fine. That doesn't always happen, especially with pitching staffs.

Agreed. There is depth but it is limited which is why its hard to trade it away. There are pieces that will accrue more value if given the development time. 

[harmony55]

The Just Baseball Fans podcast offers an offseason plan for the Twins:

 

[Mike Sixel]

On 12/22/2023 at 8:14 PM, stringer bell said:

While I mostly agree, I don't think there's a lot of "next level" talent in the organization. If the Twins want to trade prospects, they have 4-5 untouchables and then a lot of guys with so-so value. With no free agent signings to date, there are about a half dozen slated for St. Paul who could be helpful and then (IMHO) quite a fall off. Trading someone slated for St. Paul with a call-up likely in their future (Martin, Larnach, Miranda, Lee) leaves the Twins pretty low in available depth, especially on the pitching side. 

If the Twins get 120 games out of seven of the nine projected starters (counting the two catchers as one) and 600 innings out of the five guys in the rotation at the start of the year, they should be fine. That doesn't always happen, especially with pitching staffs.

Isn't that nearly every minor league system? I mean, what do people expect?

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Isn't that nearly every minor league system? I mean, what do people expect?

The Twins have traded prospects for established major leaguers several times in the last few years and IMHO they have fewer trade chips to put on the table for another one or two established major leaguers. They traded CES, Speer Hajjar, Petty (more of a lottery ticket, but with a first round pedigree) and Povich and acquired no prospects in return. Compared to an organization that received as many or more prospects than they traded, the Twins would figure to have less depth in the minors. 

I do think in Lee, Emmy Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins, they have three premium prospects. That would be on a par or better than many or most organizations. Also, I think it would be optimal if one or more of their premium prospects was a pitcher.

[cHawk]

On 12/20/2023 at 9:13 AM, wabene said:

Whaddya think? The over/under on the Twins first big move at 29.5 days from today.... 

[CoastiePilot08]

Giolito to Boston for 2 years, $38M. Sigh. 

[SteveLV]

$18M 2024, $19M 2025, $1M option after 2024.

For a pitcher who struggled badly last year.

Pitching remains exhorbitant.

Gray's contract seems a bargain!

[stringer bell]

I think with Toronto signing Kiermeier and IKF, the Twins officially are the least active in player acquisitions. Reports now peg the Twins payroll (with no more additions) at about $120M,, which might be the number they want to be at when the season starts. With starting pitching costs seemingly through the roof, it would seem that the Twins would have to trade both Kepler and Polanco to take on the salary of a top tier starter. The prospect haul for a trade would be substantial if the Twins try to trade prospects for pitching. 

[Rosterman]

Let's start selling season tickets. And, TwinsFest is around the corner!

[Major League Ready]

56 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I think with Toronto signing Kiermeier and IKF, the Twins officially are the least active in player acquisitions. Reports now peg the Twins payroll (with no more additions) at about $120M,, which might be the number they want to be at when the season starts. With starting pitching costs seemingly through the roof, it would seem that the Twins would have to trade both Kepler and Polanco to take on the salary of a top tier starter. The prospect haul for a trade would be substantial if the Twins try to trade prospects for pitching. 

I believe the key to this puzzle is if Polanco or Polanco plus prospects can facilitate a trade for a pitcher they want.  The FO has demonstrated their MO is to trade from depth and they have a lot of young guys that can fill Polanco’s role.  We should expect them to pursue that avenue first.  They just can’t do it yet because the trade market for pitching is still in limbo waiting for Snell, Montgomery and Imanaga to sign.