Miguel Sano is on the Comeback Trail

[Cody Pirkl]

The baseball world, particularly in Twins territory, had frozen over this offseason as little Twins-related news had popped up since the end of the 2023 season. That all changed when Miguel Sano hit the home run that echoed throughout Minnesota.

Image courtesy of Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The former Twins slugger Miguel Sano has taken a hiatus from the MLB since a knee injury ended his 2022 season. After a midseason workout in 2023 failed to draw in more suitors, Sano returned home to the Dominican Republic where he joined the winter league. In what has been an offseason with little to talk about, Sano sent Twins fans into a frenzy.

Okay, maybe frenzy is aggressive, but anything constitutes Twins news these days. The former Twins' top prospect and lineup mainstay is attempting a comeback for 2024 and is hoping to draw eyes while playing for the Estrellas Orientales. In just under 30 games thus far, Sano hasn’t lit the world on fire with a sub-.800 OPS. His trademark power hasn’t been displayed very often, but the home run he hit recently had Twins fans reminiscing about the good old days.

It’s certainly possible that some team will give Sano a shot in 2024, perhaps on a minor-league deal. Could a reunion be in the cards?

To be honest, probably not. The Twins have come a long way from their “Bomba Squad” identity, with a new style overall and an almost wholly reworked core. Not that they couldn’t use another power bat, but Sano isn’t a great fit.

Alex Kirilloff is presumed to be the starting first baseman in 2024. While he could use a right-handed platoon option to offset him, Sano isn’t a fit for the role.

The Twins also like to rotate players around the DH spot. Sano bouncing back to the degree that warrants at-bats as a designated hitter is a long way, and even if all goes perfectly, the Twins would likely prefer to keep things flexible. It is also a good idea to take a year off from dedicating a lineup spot to a bat guaranteed to strike out 35+% of the time.

Even on a minor-league deal without risk, the Twins may be better off giving opportunities to younger players like Chris Williams or Aaron Sabato, even though their ceilings may not be incredibly high. Between the Twins and Sano, one or both parties may prefer to recognize and appreciate the past and turn the page.

Hopefully, we see more Miguel Sano highlights this winter, and he can put up numbers to draw some MLB attention. It’s unlikely this will come from the Twins. Will Sano make a big comeback in 2024? Should the Twins be interested at all? Let us know below!

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[Parfigliano]

Gotta admit his ability to K fits right in.

[rv78]

The Twins have come a long way from their “Bomba Squad” identity, with a new style overall

Huh? Their approach hasn't changed. It's still swing for the fences. The only thing that HAS changed is their ability to be prolific at doing it. Makes a difference when the ball isn't juiced..... I'd say watching most of their at bats last year they're still trying to be Bomba Squad #2.

[High heat]

There is no bad minor league deal!  Chris Williams (as a DH 1B) and Sabato aren’t big leaguers so sticking him in St. Paul would be a nice piece.

 

Not many players have as big an upside as Sano. Lotto ticket but never know.

[Doctor Gast]

I'd love to take Sano on a minor-league deal but as long this organization still has the "bomba squad" mentality, I'll have to say good luck somewhere else. 

[sun]

He would need to prove his worth in a US independent baseball league before being given a AAA deal. I have too many doubts about him being able to do that. His MLB career was average length. Anything beyond that is pushing it. 

[CRF]

Please...no.

[Blyleven2011]

It's Christmas   , do we  really  have to contemplate a sano return to baseball  ...

I wanted something  under the tree for Christmas but please I'll accept anything in the new-year instead  ...

Merry Christmas  and thanks for articles ...

[Doctor Wu]

Reminiscing about the good old days and hoping Sano can get it together again is a lovely idea, in theory. But in reality, I don't think he would have any role on our current team. Unless, he can do an Ohtani and dazzle up with his pitching prowess. 

[William K Johnson]

Will never forget the bomb he hit in Boston.

[mikelink45]

I am really happy to get a Sano update.  I have been curious, but no I do not want to see him back  Terry Ryan used to give exTwins a final landing pad - it did not work out,

The real ex-Twin news is Garver now a Mariner

 

[nclahammer]

I always had high hopes for Sano, and wish him the best, be it with the Twins on a minor league deal or someone else.

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

Maybe the Dodgers will offer Miguel a $300 million contract

[HoskenPowell]

Good Lord no.

[Jeff K]

No.  Let me restate that; Please no.  Put another way; for the love of Shaboom NOOOOO!

[saviking]

I've never seen a more stubborn batter. One that could never recognize an outside slider and lay off it. He could have led the league in walks if he had just laid off them. 

[Thebigalguy]

Sano would add quality strikeouts to the Twins as they defend their title as strikeout champs of all time. 

[mikelink45]

Merry Christmas everyone - I see all these posting and no I am not the only one waiting for the next generation to wake up arrive 

[Twins63]

Have appreciated the gift that has been Sano, but it's time to move on. Heck, I'm hoping for a McCusker to be the surprise gift this year.

[JoeCool]

I would not mind seeing the twins bring him in on a minor league deal. If he finds some of his peak form it would be lightning in a bottle.  I am not expecting much but sometimes those scenarios work out in an unexpected way and Sano if in shape is still young in years that should be his prime.  

[LloydInMN]

Sano?

Don't waste even a rookie league roster spot on this guy. Instead, invest in a guy willing to work on his defensive skills, offensive skills and physical condition. There are lots of available fast-food restaurant jobs open in the Dominican Republic where he'd be more comfortable, eligible for free meals and a uniform that fits.

[adorduan]

He's 30 years old.  He's slashing  .190/.316/.354. He's striking out 30% of the time in Dominican Winter League!! That ship sailed a long time ago.....

[Trov]

No way do we look to bring him back.  He never took playing baseball seriously.  He never was willing to put in the work that was needed to be an everyday player and stay in the lineup.  I would not expect that he does that at his age now. 

[PDX Twin]

Strike the SA. Just NO!

[Joey Self]

On 12/25/2023 at 11:23 AM, saviking said:

I've never seen a more stubborn batter. One that could never recognize an outside slider and lay off it. He could have led the league in walks if he had just laid off them. 

Well, yes...and no. 

If he had laid off them, he would have walked a lot...until the pitchers understood he was laying off them, and then he wouldn't have seen them with the frequency he did when he would not swing at those pitches.  

He adjusts, they adjust.  

[mikelink45]

I have to update - we brought Baddoo back to the organization.  Do I expect anything good?  No,  But we have that great name back  

[Linus]

7 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

I have to update - we brought Baddoo back to the organization.  Do I expect anything good?  No,  But we have that great name back  

Do you mean Niko Goodrum?

[TwinkieFan4life]

On 12/24/2023 at 1:48 PM, rv78 said:

The Twins have come a long way from their “Bomba Squad” identity, with a new style overall

Huh? Their approach hasn't changed. It's still swing for the fences. The only thing that HAS changed is their ability to be prolific at doing it. Makes a difference when the ball isn't juiced..... I'd say watching most of their at bats last year they're still trying to be Bomba Squad #2.

Not sure why someone would give this statement a thumbs down.  It is objectively true.  They just struck out at a record level for a season.  Our approach is obviously to sell out for power.  I mean, I hope this is true, or the K record becomes really depressing.

[mikelink45]

On 12/26/2023 at 7:40 PM, Linus said:

Do you mean Niko Goodrum?

Let's combine them  Niko Baddoo  

[Twodogs]

I mean if anyone has potential, probably have to give them a shot.  Almost all minor league deals don't pan out, but once in awhile one of them does.  Look pretty silly if the Royals gave him a shot and in a year or two he shows up and hits 30 bombs again.  Most likely it won't happen, but you know the potential is there.  At first I was thinking of that old don't use drugs saying from the 90's. Just SA No.  But like I said, it couldn't hurt, could just cut him if it doesn't work out.