These Two Reunions Could Represent the Twins' Best Realistic Options at First Base

[Nick Nelson]

With free agency drying up and the Twins constrained by financial limitations, the front office might need to get creative in finding a veteran plug at first base. Could LaMonte Wade Jr. or Jorge Polanco be a fit to return?

Image courtesy of Robert Edwards, Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Over the weekend, we reviewed what remains of the free agent market at first base. It was a pretty lackluster group even when it featured Carlos Santana, who signed with Cleveland a couple hours after the article went live. 

Assuming they are not legitimate suitors for Pete Alonso, the best the Twins can now hope for in first base free agency is a 40-year-old Justin Turner, or someone like Connor Joe or Donovan Solano. While reuniting with Solano wouldn't be the worst idea, all things considered, I'd be looking for a little more upside at the position. These two potential options, both former Twins, intrigue me as possibilities.

Trade for LaMonte Wade Jr.
The Twins traded Wade to San Francisco in 2021 for reliever Shaun Anderson. It was a bad move. Anderson made all of four appearances for the Twins before moving on, while Wade has posted a 115 OPS+ over four seasons in The Bay. With two lefty-swinging fourth outfielders in their mix, Minnesota essentially picked Jake Cave over Wade; the former recently signed to play in the KBO, while the latter is coming off another strong season as a regular in the majors at age 30.

This offseason, the Twins have an opportunity to right their wrong. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that "many clubs believe first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. to be available – for a price, of course." It will take more than a fringy Anderson-type reliever to bring him back, but the cost of acquiring Wade could potentially be palatable.

Entering his final season of arbitration, Wade is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $4.7 million in 2025. That's a price tag the Twins should be able to make work. The relatively modest salary reflects some of the limiting aspects of Wade's value as a player, which also could tamper San Francisco's demands in a trade. He has been used pretty strictly as a platoon player, despite moderate success against lefties in a small sample. He's not considered a particularly strong defender, though he does offer some flexibility, with the outfield corners also in his bag.

Wade also does not offer prototypical power for a first baseman, but he offsets it with stellar discipline and on-base skills. I'd argue the Twins are in greater need of those traits versus another hard-swinging slugger. On basically a one-year deal in his age-31 season, Wade feels like a very solid fit for Minnesota's needs, depending on what the Giants are willing to accept in exchange.

If the Twins would prefer to focus on free agency, there's a more unconventional fit I've got my eyes on.

Sign Jorge Polanco and try him out at first base.
Admittedly, this is a more radical and experimental suggestion, but the Twins need to be open-minded in their hunt for impact and value. Polanco was not listed among the previous rundown of free-agent first basemen because, well, he's never played first base. Not in the majors or the minors.

He has, however, played every other infield position, and it doesn't seem like a stretch to believe Polanco could handle first capably. In fact, it's almost an inevitability that some team will try him there in order to prolong his career as a useful defender; Polanco was already grading out poorly defensively at second before undergoing knee surgery in October to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee. The concept of him making a move to first base has been discussed here as recently as one year ago, before he was traded.

Polanco turns 32 next July. He's got a long history of wear-and-tear on his lower body. And he did not hit in 2024, slashing just .213/.296/.355 in 469 plate appearances for the Mariners, who declined his $12 million option for next year. But previously Polanco had been a very consistent offensive performer, posting an OPS+ of 112 or above in every full season since 2019.

The Twins are well positioned to accept the risk involved with signing Polanco, since they have a reasonable baseline at first base between José Miranda and Edouard Julien. Plugging in Polanco would enable Minnesota to be patient with those two, neither of whom looked up to snuff at season's end, while also supplementing the infield depth lost in Kyle Farmer. Most importantly, Polanco would bring a proven switch-hitting bat that Rocco Baldelli clearly holds in very high regard. 

The wisdom of signing Polanco hinges on how much he ends up being able to command, but there's reason to believe he could end up settling for a one-year deal in the range of what Santana made this year, maybe with some incentives added on top. Polanco's familiarity with the team, manager, facilities and players would theoretically be a differentiating draw.

It's possible Polanco's market may not heat up until later in the offseason, once he's able to showcase his readiness and recovery from the surgery. That would suit the Twins' purposes just fine, since they're currently focused on making a trade to open up payroll space and that might still take some time. If healthy, he'd be an exciting (re)addition to a lineup that, like Polanco, is looking to rebound and show what it's made of.

What are your thoughts? Do either of these potential reunions do anything for you? What are some other outside-the-box ideas for solving the need at first base given the team's circumstances? Let's hear from you in the comments! 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

Both would be a help to the lineup and the clubhouse. 

[Riverbrian]

Wade would not fill 1B by himself. He would require a right handed handcuff. That handcuff would eat up another roster spot and probably have to come from outside the organization. There is no one on the current roster that makes sense for that short side handcuff role. Meaning acquiring Wade plus somebody else. 

Polanco would not require a handcuff. He would require a rebound from last year. 

[JD-TWINS]

Can’t imagine a resurgence from Jorge at this point. Getting a FA “to try out at 1B” doesn’t seem like much of a plan.

Wade could be a nice line-up fit as he hits like Julien did in ‘23. Very selective - little less power - better contact guy though v. Eddie. Wade’s K % is just slightly above Lesgue average. He already plays 1B, so that’s a plus! .380 OBP last year …….could be a nice fit for the #2 spot in the line-up. Hitting #2 & being somewhat protected, he may get more pitches to drive as well. Can’t imagine why SF would trade a guy like that at $4.7M/yr.? He could be a nice fit for Minnesota!

[CRF]

Always liked Polo, but I don't want him back for that experiment. Not particularly interested in Wade either. Face it...it'll be more dumpster diving by Falvey just before the season starts. 

[JD-TWINS]

15 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Wade would not fill 1B by himself. He would require a right handed handcuff. That handcuff would eat up another roster spot and probably have to come from outside the organization. There is no one on the current roster that makes sense for that short side handcuff role. Meaning acquiring Wade plus somebody else. 

Polanco would not require a handcuff. He would require a rebound from last year. 

It appears that Wade played 55-60% of the time with just over 400 PA’s. Not sure if he was platooned or hurt some? Could Keaschall fit as his mirror guy as needed? Miranda is a reverse splits guy & better v. RH pitching, so not a good option with Wade.

[thelanges5]

Hip Hip Jorge! Not excited by either one of these guys but this is where the poverty Twins will be shopping in 2025. 

[Whitey333]

Yes it would be tough to roster two spots for first base.  We've been doing that for Buxton for nearly 10 years.  But it sure isn't ideal.  My guess is they just concentrate on dumping salary this off season and any position openings be handled internally.  Looks like a long boring season in 2025.

[sweetmusicviola16]

These unfortunately aren't workable solutions. I'd be fine with Wade, but yeah you likely need a partner for him and its not Miranda. But then what do you do with Miranda? 3B again? I'd prefer not. You'd likely have to trade Miranda now, or probably should. Polanco? Lets not even try this. Julien? His glove work is the pink elephant in the room that nobody wants and the league found out how to pitch to him in 2024 and he couldn't recover.

[dxpavelka]

We need a guy to complement with our holdovers, Miranda & Julien, who can hit lefties.  Lamont did so in 2024 over a small sample size but I doubt that would hold up over a full season.  Hard pass.  Bite the budget and sign Pete Alonzo to a 1 year Scott Boras special.  Just sayin

[Mark G]

If we are looking for old time reunions, why not just bring back Morneau?  He is only 4 years older than Santana, and we loved him last year.  Just make Cory Provus do the telecast by himself, use the TV money you would have given Justin, and all you lose is a roster spot.  He can't possibly strike out more than some of these other guys, and he would be on the field as much as Buck or CC.  What could go wrong?  🤭

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

I'd be fine with Wade, but yeah you likely need a partner for him and its not Miranda. 

Wade had an 840 OPS vs LHP last season and 709 OPS vs LHP in 2023. His OBP is well above league average vs LHP. He'd be a useful addition to the team whether they play him in LF, 1B or DH. If they platoon him they should be fired.

Jorge Polanco is the perfect addition for a team with 4th place aspirations who wants to please the fans by bringing back a familiar name.

[rdehring]

Way to little known by us about Julien's D.  If he could be average, and the Twins have a strong belief that he will, I would go with Eddie and Miranda platooning.  Gotta believe that if Miranda spends three-quarters if spring training working at first he will be at least serviceable.

With this duo the defense could be average, at best.  If both puts their sophomore year struggles behind them, their bats could be between good and very good...or not.

[DaveW44]

Hard, hard pass on Polanco. 
needs surgery late in every season and can no longer hit. 
it was fun while it lasted but I think it’s over for Jorge. 

[beckmt]

This is a one year deal with no hope of a second if the Twins want to contend.  You might as well move Laurach to 1st as he will probably be there starting next year (unless traded).  Julien and Miranda are not options, but Miranda will probably end up there to start the year.  Maybe in our best plans Rodriquez or Jenkins win a spot in spring training and it becomes problem solved.  Or we get another option in a trade. 

[Parfigliano]

Miranda and Julien.  Spend the very limited money on good relief pitching.  

[Otaknam]

Clearly neither is a satisfactory option, especially the oft injured Polanco playing out of position. They are better off platooning Miranda and Julien IMO. First base is one of the easiest positions to fill, where hitters with no position and  declining players who can still hit end up. Yet this team has no internal options? 

[DJL44]

14 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Miranda and Julien.  Spend the very limited money on good relief pitching.  

The bullpen is pretty full as-is.

[Linus]

It’s just time to put Miranda there. My guess is that he will hit lefties eventually and if they let him focus on first he will get to be average. They have a group of players that we just need to see what we have. If they all flop this window is shut anyway. If they want to add someone make a trade for a player that actually offers upside. 

[In My La Z boy]

Our Team is standing pat with ownership in limbo it appears. Meanwhile the Phillies made the trade we should have made. Cannot have enough starting pitching ever in my opinion. 1st base goes to Miranda or maybe Julien, or maybe both.

[Mark G]

10 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The bullpen is pretty full as-is.

Yeah, but full of what?  One is losing zip on his fast ball, one wants to become a starter, one can't stay healthy, and the rest can't stay consistent.  The bullpen is full alright, full of question marks.  But, as always, I can be educated.  😌

[LambchoP]

No to both these guys. We don't need more slow, defensively limited lefty hitters. Nathaniel Lowe was just traded for just a lefty reliever. PHI just got Luzardo for two mid level prospects. These are the kind of moves we should be making of we are pretending to put a better team out there for this year. Obviously that's not the case. Miranda and Julien at first base this year. Keirsey and Martin in the OF. Real sad, new owners can't come soon enough.

[Doctor Gast]

Miranda isn't a rookie fresh from AAA that we have to be patient with. He's got the bat that needs the opportunity to be healthy from his '23 shoulder injury by playing 1B not manning 3B. We have been too patient with Julien at 2B & now reinventing himself as hitter won't profile as a 1B & needs to be traded now. 

Miranda hits better against RHPs, Julien hits much better against RHPs & Wade hits better against RHPs. There is no advantage in getting Wade. Choosing Cave over Wade all those years & trading him was a big mistake, Choosing Wade over Miranda overall would be another one.

Polanco here at 1B would be great in the clubhouse and on the field. No doubt Polanco can quickly adapt to 1B & give him time to finally heal too. I believe there a few teams in on Polanco even with needs at 3B. So until FO trims the fat w/o compromising the core & have a few millions to boot. Until I see it, I can't believe that they can intelligently do that. Until that happens we can't think about FA because we can't afford even a Polanco. Then we'll have to settle for Miranda which is much better than trading away a much needed core player to afford an expensive Gallo all or nothing type loser, hoping they'll bounce back.

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

...If they platoon him they should be fired...

Baldelli will absolutely platoon him. He'd platoon Babe Ruth.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Wade would fit on the field.  I would be fine if they brought in Polanco on a very small, make good contract.  Polanco could also provide some insurance at 2B (not to mention the clubhouse presence).  I am curious how Solano would fit in this discussion.

So many posters are arguing to let the younger guys roll.  Generally teams that run 5-6 guys with 1-2 years of experience are rebuilding.  Though they are not spending money, that is not happening here.

There is a reason why the Twins continue to look to fill 1B, 2B, OF4 even though they have Miranda. Lee, et. al.  They obviously do not have 100% confidence in these guys and want a veteran presence for insurance.

[sweetmusicviola16]

I concur with Dr gast. The time is now for Miranda and any additions are a moot point until trades are made to trim the budget. As far as the budget goes I speculate that they may have been given the leeway to be over 130mil, but no go ahead to add to the team without subtractions. That's why we see no additions. But as for Miranda, play him or trade him. That is only fair to the player. Don't play him at 3B, needs to be 1B. But we see what trading Wade did. 

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, Whitey333 said:

Yes it would be tough to roster two spots for first base.  We've been doing that for Buxton for nearly 10 years.  But it sure isn't ideal.  My guess is they just concentrate on dumping salary this off season and any position openings be handled internally.  Looks like a long boring season in 2025.

If FO only dump salary in a creative & intelligent way I'd be very happy, But there are some cheap awesome trades that can fill out this roster. Together with this great core, I can be excited with this club.

[Doctor Gast]

2 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

We need a guy to complement with our holdovers, Miranda & Julien, who can hit lefties.  Lamont did so in 2024 over a small sample size but I doubt that would hold up over a full season.  Hard pass.  Bite the budget and sign Pete Alonzo to a 1 year Scott Boras special.  Just sayin

Nobody wants Alonzo, NYM only does at a discount & for sentimental reasons. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

9 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

If FO only dump salary in a creative & intelligent way I'd be very happy, But there are some cheap awesome trades that can fill out this roster. Together with this great core, I can be excited with this club.

But here we have our FO sitting on its bum. Once they get up off of it they will spread a little peanut butter on it to entice the other GM's that did the same. Then we will go into panic mode and acquire the next DeSclafani and Margot and believe their peanut butter trick worked.

[Doctor Gast]

6 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

But here we have our FO sitting on its bum. Once they get up off of it they will spread a little peanut butter on it to entice the other GM's that did the same. Then we will go into panic mode and acquire the next DeSclafani and Margot and believe their peanut butter trick worked.

Exactly