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

[TopGunn#22]

I think the wisdom on signing Polanco doesn't hinge at all on what he could could command, because it won't be a lot.  The wisdom in signing him hinges on what he actually has left.  He had a myriad of problems with his knee and other ailments as a younger player with the Twins.  He's 32 now and will never be the Polanco of 2021 again.  Not even close.

Wade's on base skill interests me.  He's had about a .375 OBP the last 2 seasons and he could be a passable 1B/Corner OF.  But he hits LH.  So while he might provide a decent platoon with Miranda at 1B, Miranda hits RHP better than LHP and we already have 2 LH hitting Corner OF.  Wade isn't as good a fit as we'd think.

At this point, with fan enthusiasm lower than if we'd come off a 100 loss season, why not just shake things up and make a serious play for Pete Alonso??  Why not just shock the fan base in a good way?  At some point in 2025 the Ishbia brothers should take over.  They should just step in and tell the Pohlad's "go ahead and sign Alonso, we're O.K. with it."  

It would be kind of like the Correa signing without the medical issues.  Alonso would check so many boxes.  Need an above average 1B?  Check.  Need RH Power...hold it...how about "PRODIGIOUS" RH Power??  CHECK !!  Another article on TD asked "Who should be the Twins cleanup hitter?  I would have said Correa.  Sign Alonso and it's him along with 35-45 HR's.  He might strike out a lot, but he'd be the closest thing we've had to Harmon Killebrew...since, Harmon Killebrew.  

Maybe it would be for a one-year deal, though I would prefer something a bit longer.  But signing Alonso would change the entire vibe and conversation in Minnesota and throughout "Twins Territory."  The Twins would still need to look to jettison the contracts of Vasquez and Paddack.  That $17.5 Million could go a long way in netting out an Alonso signing. You could make a point that Castro should be retained as well since we'd be "All In" on competing in 2025 even though Castro may be needed to get a young catching prospect..

It's Christmas.  Hope springs eternal.

[PatPfund]

Miranda isn't a baseline; if healthy he is a major step up from any of these players, and on the upside of his career instead of the downside. If you sign a veteran, Rocco will play him despite all evidence the younger player is better; we don't need  another Joey Gallo/Manuel Margot clogging the roster (or reviving the terrible idea of Lewis playing 2B, so Miranda can play, so a weak link can stand at first). And I like Wade, but I'm guessing his market never warms ups. A pop-less platoon weak defender with a slightly above average OPS+ isn't any team's dream for a critical offensive position.

[High heat]

Well Josh Bell just signed for 6 million!!! A guy who doesn’t play good defense at 1B and is hasn’t hit well in 2 years!!!!

 

No free agents listed is financial attainable it appears!