Under-the-Radar Options: These Two Free Agents Address the Minnesota Twins' Needs

[Matthew Lenz]

The Twins have done nothing to address their need to add a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder, nor their (lesser) need to fill Carlos Santana’s absence. While we have covered many of the routes the Twins could go ahead of next season, there are two names on the market that we’ve yet to dive into. Let’s take a look at them now.

Image courtesy of Left: © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images; Right: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images;

As of right now, Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach look to be on the strong side of the platoon in each corner outfield spot. While they are still young and deserve a chance to prove otherwise, there are major concerns around their ability to face left-handed pitching. If the Twins weren't in a competitive window, they could afford to let Wallner and Larnach face more lefties. Besides, whether the need is all that great or not, this team loves to maximize platoon matchups. They're unlikely to start Larnach and Wallner every day, and need partners for them in their starting roles. The front office can keep recent tradition alive by signing another former Twins killer.

Ramón Laureano (entering his age-30 season) isn’t the player he once was, but he’s proven to be a viable fourth outfield option over the last two seasons. With the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Guardians, and with Atlanta, Laureano has a .707 OPS with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases across 713 plate appearances since the start of 2023. His walk and strikeout rates leave more to be desired, but against left-handed pitching, the righty’s OPS jumps 119 points and he produces a 128 wRC+. 

Defensively, he played left field for the first time in his big-league career in 2024 and showed off a slightly above-average glove. He also played a little bit of center field and right field, which is where he’s played the most over the last three seasons, and graded out as a slightly below-average fielder at both positions. He possesses a combination of right-handed power, strong baserunning skills, and solid defensive abilities, making him an ideal candidate for a team seeking to deepen their outfield. As of writing this, there haven’t been any rumors surrounding Laureano, so there’s a chance he could be had fairly cheaply.

We’re breaking tradition with this next name, one that can fill the void at first base: Ty France is another potential solution. More than first base, France has played passable defense at the keystone and hot corner, and has even said he’s open to playing catcher.

What’s interesting about that is that, according to his Baseball Reference page, he hasn't caught in a game at any level dating all the way back to his college career. As Feinsand suggests, any catching duties would likely occur in an emergency situation. In the immortal words of Michael Bluth:

France, coming off a career-worst year in 2024, has a career .744 OPS, with a solid strikeout rate, a low walk rate, and a wRC+ of 113. His ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitching, combined with his defensive versatility, has made him an everyday player throughout his career. Although now entering an age bracket where he's most likely to thrive at first base, he’s graded out as an average defender around the diamond. Feinsand mentions that more than 10 teams have expressed interest in him, which may drive his cost above what the Twins can afford without shedding more than $15 million in existing payroll.

I was surprised to see that Laureano and France hadn’t been speculated as targets for the Twins more this offseason, as both seem like very good fits on this roster. Due to their self-imposed financial constraints, Laureano is more likely than France, but netting both would be seen as huge gets, relatively speaking.

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Do you think the Twins should pursue either of these players?

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[Doctor Wu]

I always liked Laureano and wouldn't mind having him join the Twins. Not sure if his best days are really behind him. He played pretty well last season, especially after the Braves picked him up. 

[dxpavelka]

Put Laureano's 2024 numbers side by side with Eddie Rosario's numbers in his last year as a Twin and try to guess which is which. 

[Riverbrian]

22 minutes ago, Matthew Lenz said:

Ramón Laureano (entering his age-30 season) isn’t the player he once was, but he’s proven to be a viable fourth outfield option over the last two seasons.

If this is your first sentence. You won't sell many vacuums. 😁

[chpettit19]

If you can trade Paddack and replace his salary with these 2 (or similar guys) and be under your budget, ok. I'm not overly excited about these 2, or any 1 year vet place holders. This regime doesn't move on from them no matter how they perform. If Laureano performs like he did for Cleveland last year, how confident is anyone that he wouldn't be on this roster all year with a 45 OPS+? That scares me way more than any rookie with options. 

But I think the question with filling these perceived needs of right handed corner outfield bat and 1B is what you have to subtract to fill them. Because the answer sure doesn't appear to be nothing. If you have to subtract Castro to add these 2, no thanks. If its just Paddack, whatever. Is it Paddack and Vazquez? Now we need another catcher, too. It's not as simple as "who can fill these needs" because you need to subtract some guys to be able to add some guys.

[JD-TWINS]

15 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

If this is your first sentence. You won't sell many vacuums. 😁

You are certainly correct!

How are 20 HR’s with 20 steals over 2 seasons ……….713 PA’s …….any better than what one would expect from Martin at a minimum salary level? Martin may hit 14 HR’s and steal 32 bases…….his defense can only get better in LF ……….just don’t see any upside in signing Laureano.

France is not any sort of catalyst nor a guy to rely upon in the line-up…….nearly zero upside and not better than Miranda, as an example.

[Post-Concussive Blues]

I like Laser Ramon.

[Riverbrian]

In the context of how the Twins have staffed their roster the past two seasons. These moves makes sense. 

However, I do not want to waste an opportunity to point out the continued lunacy of it.

This would be the addition of two right handed hitters to the roster to bring their projected opening day total to NINE. 75% of pitching is right handed and they are looking for right handed bats despite only having potentially 3 left handed hitters with 75% of pitching right handed. Laureano would replace Helman on the current roster and France would probably take either Lee or Julien's 26 roster spot. We would purposely become even more right handed. 

I believe they are indeed looking for right handed hitters. The over reaction to 25% of the pitching population would continue. 

[rv78]

You definitely got the, fit right in with the Twins part correct with Laureano. He's had 1 good full season in his 7 year career. Exactly what the Twins look and hope for in a player. Which version will they get? His usual Oakland/Cleveland version or the Atlanta version. Odds say it'll be his Oakland/Cleveland version, which I'd pass on pretty quickly. 

As for France, you nailed the reason why he wouldn't be acquired by the Twins. He'll be too expensive. Adding either one really doesn't move the needle. I'd much rather see the players already on the roster get MORE playing time, not less.

[Coach Wheels]

I am completely open to Laureano being a part of the OF for 2025. 30 years old, lots of experience in the majors, and he can hit for some power. I'd be open to seeing him as a Twin.

[tony&rodney]

Oh boy, the search for mediocrity has become rich.  I appreciate the search for players from the writers but this one scares me. 

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

You are certainly correct!

How are 20 HR’s with 20 steals over 2 seasons ……….713 PA’s …….any better than what one would expect from Martin at a minimum salary level? Martin may hit 14 HR’s and steal 32 bases…….his defense can only get better in LF ……….just don’t see any upside in signing Laureano.

France is not any sort of catalyst nor a guy to rely upon in the line-up…….nearly zero upside and not better than Miranda, as an example.

My guess and just a hunch but a hunch based on what they have done. If these two moves happen and if these two moves are all that they do this off-season. Martin will still break camp on the 26 man. They still need short side platoons for both Wallner and Larnach.

Laureano and Martin would be the obvious choices for these roles. Ramon and Ty will sign one year deals and will not be on the roster in 2026. That nearly zero upside that you are correct about... could only be contained inside of the 2025 season.

If there is any upside to Austin Martin the former first rounder. His development will be severely compromised. 

[Doctor Gast]

Why is " we have to get an expensive FA" so ingrained in our psyche? Are you willing to trade a Correa just so we can acquire these guys? Why do I get that "Margot" feeling when I see Laureano? or Rhys Hoskins when I see France? They are the same type of guys. The league has figured out the all-or-nothing types, that's why production at DH, 1B & cOF are way down throughout the league in '24 because these type of players packed these positions. I don't expect a quick or significant adjustment from these hitters. So FO when you get this urge just say NO. We can't afford the money, needed talent lost & expensive unnecessary talent gained.

Miranda will be our most productive 1Bman we have had in years. 1 more year removed from a shoulder injury & secured at 1B, I see a much healthier Miranda, who hits well all pitchers & even better against RHPs. But I do see a need for a safety net there, so I'll plug (RH) Romy Gonzales (BOS) again. Last year he absolutely mashed LHPs, great PHer, cheap to obtain, cheap to maintain, He's a very solid glove so when not needed at 1B he can platoon anywhere in the INF or OF so we don't have to have an extra roster spot & he's available for 4yrs.

[Linus]

Pass. Adding a mediocre player to a mediocre lineup just sends up be mediocrity. If you decision is that you really need a right handed hitting outfielder then trade Larnach and prospects for a good one. 

[Trov]

I could see France maybe, but not Laureano on a MLB deal.  Laureano could come in on minor league deal with invite, but my guess he will hold out for full MLB deal. France I think only for a very low price and if the team just has no faith in anyone else at 1B.  He had 2 good seasons at age 26 and 27.  Outside those 2 years he has been average to below average. Personally, I would pass on both and roll with your in house options.  

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

You are certainly correct!

How are 20 HR’s with 20 steals over 2 seasons ……….713 PA’s …….any better than what one would expect from Martin at a minimum salary level? Martin may hit 14 HR’s and steal 32 bases…….his defense can only get better in LF ……….just don’t see any upside in signing Laureano.

Martin's defense can only get better because it would be really difficult for him to be worse than how awful he was last season. He's still unlikely to be as good as Laureano in the outfield. Laureano can catch the ball. That's why Laureano's worst full season in the majors is 2 WAR better than Martin was last season.

[Riverbrian]

I'm not expecting a significant free agent to ride into town on a white horse. I'm not expecting a significant trade for a big name talent. I understand this and have made my peace with it.

I have one wish for this off-season of obvious budget limitations. One wish and I'm pretty sure that I will not get that one wish and I have not made peace with that.  

I'm not asking for a change in the front office... I'm not asking for a change in manager. I'm not even asking for a change of ownership. I'm just asking the front office to stop doing one thing. All I'm asking is: Don't waste roster spots spending millions of dollars that we don't have to spend on specialists. Don't spend millions that you don't have on innings eaters to 1 year contracts, Don't spend millions on short side platoons on one year contracts.  

Take whatever you have to spend and play the 75% not the 25%. Look for a left handed bat for the STARTING LINEUP. Cleveland currently has 6 left handed hitters and 3 switch hitters on their roster. Baltimore 5 left 1 switch. Boston 6 left 1 switch, Detroit 7 left, Kansas City 5 left, Yankees 5 left 2 switch. Arizona 4 left 4 switch, Dodgers 6 left 1 switch, Brewers 6 left 1 switch, Mets 5 left 1 switch, Phillies 6 left, Padres 7 left.

It is quite possible to win baseball games with more left handers on your roster than you could protect against left handed pitching that is needed only 25% of the time. 

One wish... It's all I am focused on... and I won't get what I'm asking.

Merry Christmas Everyone

[DJL44]

With Kepler gone there is a real need for another outfielder who can play defense. I see Laureano as a 2+ WAR upgrade on their current backup outfielder options (Martin, Keirsey, Helman) and they can probably sign him for $4M. There is nowhere else on the roster where they can upgrade that much for that little money. If they don't get Laureano they need to obtain someone a lot like him.

Ty France, like Josh Bell, is another 1B option who is a downgrade on Jose Miranda. If he wants to try to convert to catcher in AAA then I'm good with giving him a minor league deal.

[LambchoP]

Austin Martin can probably outhit Laureano, plus he's cheaper. As far as first base goes I'd rather have Goldschmidt or Santana if we have the $ to sign anyone at all. A trade for Diaz could be good too.

[Patzky]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

In the context of how the Twins have staffed their roster the past two seasons. These moves makes sense. 

However, I do not want to waste an opportunity to point out the continued lunacy of it.

This would be the addition of two right handed hitters to the roster to bring their projected opening day total to NINE. 75% of pitching is right handed and they are looking for right handed bats despite only having potentially 3 left handed hitters with 75% of pitching right handed. Laureano would replace Helman on the current roster and France would probably take either Lee or Julien's 26 roster spot. We would purposely become even more right handed. 

I believe they are indeed looking for right handed hitters. The over reaction to 25% of the pitching population would continue. 

Guess we will have found our Margot of the year..

[y2jjj54]

I would rather the twins try and find the next Brent Rooker (someone overlooked by another organization that has not gotten much a chance).  They would not cost much in a trade and atleast if they play good you would have them under team control for a couple years.  These one year stop gaps that you can't send down to the minors just do not have much upside.

[Riverbrian]

8 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Guess we will have found our Margot of the year..

Doppleganger

[Fire Dan Gladden]

There are really 2-3 holes right now that need to be addressed:
Starting corner OF
4th OF that can play CF
Capable 1B

There are potential in-house options (less so at 1B depending on how you look at Miranda), but this is where I would expect to see low-level FA signings.  The Lee/Martin/Julien still have too much to prove before being handed the reigns.  Wallner/Miranda still have not convinced everyone they are 100% MLB ready.  This is is why articles like this need to be written.

[DJL44]

15 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Guess we will have found our Margot of the year.

Margot would have been a lot more useful if he could still field like he could at his peak.

"Margot was a bad veteran addition so the team should never make veteran additions again" is a terrible knee-jerk reactionary take.

[D.C Twins]

Twins signing free agents this off season.... wishful thinking!

[tony&rodney]

54 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

There are really 2-3 holes right now that need to be addressed:
Starting corner OF
4th OF that can play CF
Capable 1B

Sadly, I'm in the same boat as Riverbrain. I don't expect anything to happen but just don't want to watch any more guys who are done.

Emmanuel Rodriguez is your starting LF and can slide over to CF when Buck needs a nap. Royce Lewis is best suited for first base. A few of your problems are solved.

[chpettit19]

25 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Margot would have been a lot more useful if he could still field like he could at his peak.

"Margot was a bad veteran addition so the team should never make veteran additions again" is a terrible knee-jerk reactionary take.

To be fair, Margot hadn't been able to field at his peak in over a year, and it wasn't just Margot. Should they never bring in another veteran ever? Of course they should. But saying it's just Margot isn't accurate either. Kyle Farmer's OPS didn't get over .600 until August 15th last year. And that was for 1 day. It didn't get back over .600 until September 4th. His BA was at or above .200 only 3 days total before September 7th.

Margot may be the poster child right now, but it's not just about him. At least not for many of us. It's about them refusing to move on from veteran position players without options. They carried Kyle Farmer all season despite him not being able to play SS anymore and being a sub-.600 OPS bat. You add that to Manuel Margot and Joey Gallo the year before and Andrelton Simmons for an entire lost season and rostering Kyle Garlick and Jordan Luplow instead of Margot in previous seasons and there's plenty more there than just Manuel Margot to be concerned about when it comes to the Twins veteran additions lately.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

Sadly, I'm in the same boat as Riverbrain

Sadly?

Plenty of drinks on board, large library of yacht rock downloaded, Ambrosia, Toto and Little River Band cranked on Bose Speakers and I'll be bringing in Dancers.  

[DJL44]

16 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Sadly, I'm in the same boat as Riverbrain. I don't expect anything to happen but just don't want to watch any more guys who are done.

Emmanuel Rodriguez is your starting LF and can slide over to CF when Buck needs a nap. Royce Lewis is best suited for first base. A few of your problems are solved.

Moving Royce to 1B means they have holes at 3B and 2B. Royce isn't a great fielder at 3B, but he's better than Miranda. The only player on the roster I would want to play everyday at 2B besides Royce Lewis is Willi Castro.

A Lee, Correa, Keaschall, Lewis infield with Rodriguez in the outfield would be placing a heavy bet on rookies. That's the risk/reward play. Even with those players in those positions they could still use Laureano as the 5th outfielder.

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Moving Royce to 1B means they have holes at 3B and 2B. Royce isn't a great fielder at 3B, but he's better than Miranda. The only player on the roster I would want to play everyday at 2B besides Royce Lewis is Willi Castro.

A Lee, Correa, Keaschall, Lewis infield with Rodriguez in the outfield would be placing a heavy bet on rookies. That's the risk/reward play. Even with those players in those positions they could still use Laureano as the 5th outfielder.

You aren't winning with crappy veterans. Take a chance on upside. It's the only realistic path to success.