Should the Twins Make a Last-Minute Push for One of These Veteran First Basemen?

[Cody Schoenmann]

The Twins addressed two of their most significant needs last week, with a pair of low-grade but targeted free-agent signings. Could one of these veteran first basemen fill their most obvious remaining hole?

Image courtesy of © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Over the weekend, the Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale published an article titled "Twins, granted a little more money to spend, seek to fortify roster depth." In the piece, Nightengale touched on how president of baseball operations Derek Falvey convinced executive vice president Joe Pohlad to provide the front office with extra spending space (thank you, kind overlords), and how the club used those resources on left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe and right-handed hitting outfielder Harrison Bader. Nightengale also noted that the club is pursuing a veteran backup shortstop (mentioning Paul DeJong and Luis Urías as candidates, although as we remarked last week, Urías is not a shortstop, so they clearly mean "infielder", more generally). The hope there is to ensure Willi Castro avoids burnout, which they believe stunted his ability to produce at the plate late last season

Lost in Nightengale's comprehensive overview, however, was the beat writer noting, "The Twins are seeking a first baseman without any proven options on their roster." Interestingly, a day before Nightengale's story was published, fellow Twins beat reporter Dan Hayes of The Athletic noted that Minnesota thinks Castro could help them at first base next season, despite him having never played the position in 11 years of professional baseball.

Now, you, valued reader, might be thinking numerous things. The first, presumably, is, "I've been reading this article for roughly a minute now, and all you've done is aggregate other peoples' work, Cody." And to that, I say: Fair, but I promise I'm going somewhere with this. The second thing you're thinking might be, "Why would Minnesota consider playing Castro at first base? Doesn't that cannibalize much of his value?" And the answer to that, valued reader, is yes. Yes, it does. Castro doesn't possess the offensive profile needed to provide plus value at the position, meaning that although extra versatility from the already uber-versatile 27-year-old utility player would be a welcome development, much of what makes him truly special is that he can function as a viable backup shortstop and center fielder.

That being the case, the club deciding to push him off those two positions to decrease wear and tear could be a lose-lose proposition for both parties. The team would be wise to keep Castro in his current role, meaning that instead of pursuing a player like DeJong or Urías, the front office should instead use its remaining monetary resources on a viable first baseman who could function as a platoon partner for José Miranda or usurp him as the starter. Unfortunately, not many intriguing names are available on the free-agent market.

Top free agent first basemen Christian Walker, Pete Alonso, Paul Goldschmidt, and Carlos Santana have all signed elsewhere. Realistically, the Twins were never a practical landing spot for these four players at the prices they commanded, even though Santana spent last season with the team. The secondary market is also drained, with Donovan Solano, Connor Joe, and Josh Bell having found their new homes, as well. Mark Canha is still an intriguing option. That said, Bader being in the mix seemingly makes signing Canha a redundant proposition, as a significant portion of his playing time would need to come in the corner outfield. Trading for a plus bat with team control, like Triston Casas, could make sense. Yet, Minnesota would likely be too uncomfortable parting with the prospect capital necessary to pry the star first baseman from the Boston Red Sox's grip.

That being the case, the Twins' front office has two realistic options to meaningfully improve the position before spring training begins: Justin Turner or Anthony Rizzo. Both multi-time All Stars, Turner and Rizzo are nearing the ends of their respective MLB careers. The two cherished veterans have (understandably) regressed significantly since their peak seasons nearly a decade ago. Still, both could provide value to a club with postseason aspirations, at a very reasonable cost.

Last season, Turner and Rizzo produced the following numbers:

• Turner: .259/.354/.383, 539 plate appearances, 119 hits, 11 home runs, 24 doubles, 17.6% strikeout rate, 10.9% walk rate, 117 wRC+
• Rizzo: .228/.301/.335, 375 plate appearances, 77 hits, 8 home runs, 12 doubles, 17.3% strikeout rate, 7.2% walk rate, 84 wRC+

Turner was the far superior hitter last season. Even taking splits into account, he simply outplayed the younger man. Against right-handed pitching, Turner posted a 116 wRC+ over 398 plate appearances. Conversely, Rizzo generated a nearly-league-average 92 wRC+ over 278 plate appearances when he had what should have been a platoon advantage. Turner is the player the Twins should pursue, if they are seeking a plus bat at the position. That said, the team's decision-making process might not be that simple.

Yes, the front office did already add close to $10 million in new money to this roster last week. However, uncertainty surrounds how much more they could add as the offseason dwindles. Urías might be had even on a split contract worth just over $1 million, but that's for a good reason: He's batted .193/.324/.336 since the start of 2023 and spent most of 2024 in the minors. DeJong could cost $3-4 million, after making $1.9 million in 2024 and hitting 24 home runs.

Turner will likely cost somewhere in the $5-7 million range, meaning the veteran could be out of the club's price range even with ownership becoming unexpectedly charitable last week. If that is the case, Rizzo (projected to net a one-year deal in the same range as DeJong's, given his seemingly increasing decrepitude) could become the team's only plausible option, even if Turner is the more intriguing candidate.

Again, Miranda is projected to be the team's primary first baseman next season. However, the team would be wise to find a veteran partner to split time with the 26-year-old. Minnesota has already acquired Mickey Gasper and Mike Ford as first base depth options. Yet, significant questions shroud their ability to produce at the major-league level. If the team were to spend its remaining resources on a veteran first baseman, Turner would be the best option, given that he is a superior hitter to Rizzo at this stage of their careers. However, the team could be priced out of Turner, making Rizzo the only viable candidate. Rizzo isn't what he used to be. Yet, signing him would raise the floor at the position, meaning the team wouldn't have to rely on Gasper, Ford, or Edouard Julien if Miranda were to get injured for an extended stretch or undergo significant performance concerns next season. He's also a respected clubhouse presence, and could replace some of what the team lost in that area when Santana returned to Cleveland.

Whether the Twins have enough for Turner or need to settle for Rizzo, that's where their resources should be directed. A deeper, higher-floor first base role is a greater need than a backup infielder with a relatively low floor, which is what both DeJong and Urías are at this point.

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[Mike Sixel]

If they sign Turner, he's not splitting time. Seriously. If you don't trust your system, you should quit because it's your players and coaches

[nicksaviking]

Jose Miranda had reverse splits last season; his OPS vs righties was .856. Why would we be looking for a left handed platoon partner?

I mean, I get not trusting him, but what I don't get is trusting him less than bottom barrel free agents and vets on their last legs who he outperformed last year.

Not criticizing the article, criticizing that there's a need for one because this team keeps going back to the same scrap heap every single season.

[CRF]

No need for Turner or Rizzo here. We can do as good as they would in house. 

[Karbo]

Just let Miranda have 1B for the near future and see how it goes.

[High heat]

How confident are you and the Twins in Miranda’s defense at 1B as well as staying healthy and productive.  Miranda’s bat was terrible the second half (after that 13 for 13 streak). The power evaporated.  
 

I think they are going to bring in Rizzo to give a good defender there as well as a platoon bat option.  
 

He provides a baseline of good professional at bats and solid defense.  Could keep this year from completely derailing and being a complete disaster.

 

No market for him so 2 or 3 million hopefully get it done

[Cory Engelhardt]

I don’t see the point to these guys specifically, at least for 1b. Turner id be ok with if he is more a dh, but I think they want to be able to cycle through guys.

I want a 1b, and of the guys out there in trade, I’d prefer Mountcastle or Casas, in that order. If neither are truly available I’d prefer to just stay in house

[rv78]

Constantly bringing in washed up players to maintain a "floor" which takes away playing time from the young players you have in your system does nothing to help those young players reach a "ceiling". If the young players aren't good enough to be everyday players then you have already failed at the FO level and you should be replaced by someone who can actually "raise the floor".

[chpettit19]

Rizzo is done. His career is over. Had a great career. It's done now, though. If you don't think Miranda is worth ABs over Rizzo you should be shopping him to see if anybody values him at all. Yes, I know defense matters, but nowhere near enough to accept how awful he is at hitting now.

Turner isn't a great defender at 1B so you're not getting more than Miranda provides. Which means it comes down to who you think can hit better between them. One could make a reasonable argument for either one. But I'll take the guy in his age 27 season over the guy in his age 40.

[nicksaviking]

16 minutes ago, High heat said:

How confident are you and the Twins in Miranda’s defense at 1B as well as staying healthy and productive.  Miranda’s bat was terrible the second half (after that 13 for 13 streak). The power evaporated.  
 

I think they are going to bring in Rizzo to give a good defender there as well as a platoon bat option.  
 

He provides a baseline of good professional at bats and solid defense.  Could keep this year from completely derailing and being a complete disaster.

 

No market for him so 2 or 3 million hopefully get it done

Rizzo, Bader and Vazquez. Perfect. I'm sure the Twins will win a lot of 1-0 games next year. 

Following the game threads, I can confidently say that while a defensive miscue irritates the fan base, nothing riles up the board more than continually failing to drive in runners in scoring position.

Everyone wants the glove only player in February, but come May, Twins nation is ready to run Andrelton Simmons out the door. I seriously don't understand how the fans don't remember this. It basically happens every single season.

[thelanges5]

Ford and Keaschall were invited to ST. Gasper, Miranda, Julien will be there too. Surely someone in that group should be able to play first base for us in 2025.

[DocBauer]

Rizzo ia cooked. Turner is 40yo and on a downward trend. Would he really cost $5-7M at this point? I mean, ST starts in a few days and he's still looking for work. I'd be OK as a veteran DH/PH/1B share for around $3M, maybe some incentives thrown in, but no way would I do $5-7M for a part time 40yo.

Paddack is set to earn $7.5M this season and reports are he can be moved, there is interest, but Falvey wants a decent/better return on him. Well, last I knew, the Orioles had too many bats and not enough positions, still needed some pitching help, and might have a decent 1B available who makes about the same salary as Paddack in 2025. (A little less actually I believe). However, while Mountcastle is a solid player, family young still, and has some upside, he's also on a 3 year downturn in production. So I don't know that his cost to acquire would be great. 

Paddack and 1 of Morris/Raya and a 3rd top 20 prospect would be fair IMO.

Now, there's similar scenarios where the Twins call Tampa for Diaz and his team option for 2026, and Paddack is simply offloaded for whatever you can get to make the payroll work.

Point is, there are some options to add a 1B while moving Paddack, but it involves trusting your young arms.

But Iike a "creative" plan like this instead of an aging, end of career FA.

(I keep repeating myself and getting bored with myself-lol)

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Rizzo ia cooked. Turner is 40yo and on a downward trend. Would he really cost $5-7M at this point? I mean, ST starts in a few days and he's still looking for work. I'd be OK as a veteran DH/PH/1B share for around $3M, maybe some incentives thrown in, but no way would I do $5-7M for a part time 40yo.

Paddack is set to earn $7.5M this season and reports are he can be moved, there is interest, but Falvey wants a decent/better return on him. Well, last I knew, the Orioles had too many bats and not enough positions, still needed some pitching help, and might have a decent 1B available who makes about the same salary as Paddack in 2025. (A little less actually I believe). However, while Mountcastle is a solid player, family young still, and has some upside, he's also on a 3 year downturn in production. So I don't know that his cost to acquire would be great. 

Paddack and 1 of Morris/Raya and a 3rd top 20 prospect would be fair IMO.

Now, there's similar scenarios where the Twins call Tampa for Diaz and his team option for 2026, and Paddack is simply offloaded for whatever you can get to make the payroll work.

Point is, there are some options to add a 1B while moving Paddack, but it involves trusting your young arms.

But Iike a "creative" plan like this instead of an aging, end of career FA.

(I keep repeating myself and getting bored with myself-lol)

No way I'm trading Raya or similar and another prospect for Mountcastle. 

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, High heat said:

How confident are you and the Twins in Miranda’s defense at 1B as well as staying healthy and productive.  Miranda’s bat was terrible the second half (after that 13 for 13 streak). The power evaporated.  
 

I think they are going to bring in Rizzo to give a good defender there as well as a platoon bat option.  
 

He provides a baseline of good professional at bats and solid defense.  Could keep this year from completely derailing and being a complete disaster.

 

No market for him so 2 or 3 million hopefully get it done

Hard pass on Rizzo.

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Rizzo, Bader and Vazquez. Perfect. I'm sure the Twins will win a lot of 1-0 games next year. 

Following the game threads, I can confidently say that while a defensive miscue irritates the fan base, nothing riles up the board more than continually failing to drive in runners in scoring position.

Everyone wants the glove only player in February, but come May, Twins nation is ready to run Andrelton Simmons out the door. I seriously don't understand how the fans don't remember this. It basically happens every single season.

I don't know why a team should care about the feelings of a handful of too online fans that don't know ball. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Rizzo is finished. No. But it's not my money so why should I care? But the quality of players and the team affects what interest and money I will put into the team.

[High heat]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Rizzo, Bader and Vazquez. Perfect. I'm sure the Twins will win a lot of 1-0 games next year. 

Following the game threads, I can confidently say that while a defensive miscue irritates the fan base, nothing riles up the board more than continually failing to drive in runners in scoring position.

Everyone wants the glove only player in February, but come May, Twins nation is ready to run Andrelton Simmons out the door. I seriously don't understand how the fans don't remember this. It basically happens every single season.

When you have a bunch of players who taking poor at bats and playing sloppy defense it causes team wide snowballs like we saw in August and September.  
 

I don’t think Rizzo is sexy or has much upside at this point but the down side is a terribly feelings firstbaseman and bad at bats

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

nothing riles up the board more than continually failing to drive in runners in scoring position.

Well then this will be ideal, because there will be fewer and fewer of those situations arising.  😀

[Doctor Gast]

If given a chance Miranda can be just as good as Casas. Keep him at 1B & let him recover 100% & be productive as our primary 1Bman when he's healthy. Let's invest in our own capable players they pay the best dividends. Too bad if they don't fit into your weird analytics. I don't trust Julien, Gasper or Ford. If we can't go inhouse then trade for a cheap secondary MLB 1Bman. 

[Althebum82]

No intrigue from me on Canha.  He is not a solution to anything, we don't need any "almost league average" dead weight.

[Vanimal46]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

If given a chance Miranda can be just as good as Casas.

In what context? Miranda will never be a power hitter with 20+ HRs in a season. 

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

No way I'm trading Raya or similar and another prospect for Mountcastle. 

I appreciate your feelings. I don't want to trade Morris/Raya plus a teen or early 20's prospect and Paddack either. Maybe they'd go for Lewis/Culpepper...who I also like quite a bit...and another prospect plus Paddack. Maybe that gets it done?

When I propose a trade, I try to look at it from the other team's perspective, and if it hurts a little it might just be fair and get the job done.

I also think Ruiz should/could be a target as well. But he's more expensive $ and is 33yo. But I like him better overall. In Mountcastle you get a younger, less expensive player, decent bat, and young enough where a change of scenery might unlock his power back to being a 20HR guy.

Again, I like both guys and they might be the Twins best opportunity to add a bat, make 1B stronger, and also make the bench stronger where Miranda can STILL share part of 1B, play a little 3B, and DH. I'd much rather focus on BAT/1B than add another mediocre, veteran FA utility INF.

[mikelink45]

I join the no choir - Let's look at the OF players with Jenkins and Emma coming up, Keaschall close we can move those five around and we will be fine.

[DocBauer]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

If given a chance Miranda can be just as good as Casas. Keep him at 1B & let him recover 100% & be productive as our primary 1Bman when he's healthy. Let's invest in our own capable players they pay the best dividends. Too bad if they don't fit into your weird analytics. I don't trust Julien, Gasper or Ford. If we can't go inhouse then trade for a cheap secondary MLB 1Bman. 

I liked your post and generally agree. I don't think Miranda's bat is the same as Casas. I don't think he'll match him on power. But I can see Miranda as as good of a hitter by AVG, maybe better, with a similar OB%, and maybe more doubles but more mid to upper teens HR power. And I'm OK with that. Miranda doesn't have to be the same hitter to be good.

Another option at 1B to deepen the lineup, thus also deepening the bench, would be nice though.

[dxpavelka]

Considering the guys being considered, ANYBODY.  Unless they put Lee or Lewis over there.  And you still need a DH.

 

[DocBauer]

13 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I join the no choir - Let's look at the OF players with Jenkins and Emma coming up, Keaschall close we can move those five around and we will be fine.

I don't disagree with you on this tactic. I don't know HOW good Lee is going to be, but I have a lot of confidence he's going to be a fine ML 2B with the glove and bat. Keaschall could be the next Castro, more or less, and potentially an even better offensive performer. It's also possible he takes over 1B. He's big enough and athletic enough to thrive there, even though he's not a traditional slugger. And I'm fine with that. MLB has really changed in how positions are "set up" by teams. 

And I'm a prospect FIRST believer in general. I think you make a BIG MOVE once in a while as a mid market team for a difference maker. And I believe FA role players are to fill a hole or two here and there, but not a way to construct a contending roster.

[DocBauer]

8 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Considering the guys being considered, ANYBODY.  Unless they put Lee or Lewis over there.  And you still need a DH.

 

I don't have a problem with a deep lineup and a rotation at DH, in general, unless you have a SPECIAL BAT like Cruz was for us. Heck, even Molitor in his time with the Twins was pretty special in his own way.

IF top prospects turn out remotely as expected, by 2026, if not at some point in 2025, Rodriguez and Keaschall will be ready, and Jenkins not far behind. While trades may happen, there will be enough talent depth on the roster to allow for a semi-permanent DH of someone like Larnach, or Miranda, or a combination, where they can also play in the field as well.

Problem is we aren't there YET. And I still want the 2025 Twins lineup/offense/depth to be the best it can be, even with $ limitations. 

I DON'T want a mediocre FA veteran to be an important part of the lineup/depth. Which is why IF the FO can make ONE "serious" move to finalize the roster, I'd love a trade that doesn't hurt too much to add someone to the 1B/DH mix. It's the one spot left to make at least some difference. 

[TopGunn#22]

Neither Rizzo or Turner have anything left in the tank.  Nothing.  It would be better to let Jose Miranda have a clear shot at the position and ask Trevor Larnach to bring a 1B mitt to spring training.  Otherwise, if you don't trust your in house options the only other option is to make a trade for a CLEAR upgrade.  That would be Casas or Yandy Diaz.  But the idea of getting anything positive out of Turner or Rizzo is misguided.  

[Brandon]

7 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Ford and Keaschall were invited to ST. Gasper, Miranda, Julien will be there too. Surely someone in that group should be able to play first base for us in 2025.

These guys and Severino is plenty of floor depth to get through the season.  Also Emma could come up and move Larnarch to 1B.  

[Connor Gould]

I'd be down for a Justin Turner signing for sure. Afterall, if we look at our current starting lineup vs righties, we'd get

C-Jeffers

1B-Miranda

2B-Julien/Lee

3B-Lewis

SS-Correa

LF-Larnach

CF-Buxton

RF-Wallner

DH-?????

Unless you like Julen/Lee or Castro as the primary DH, we're a bat short. In the long term, Emmanuel Rodriguez will claim that spot, but in the short term we need a guy. Turner would fit great as the DH that also plays 1B on Miranda's off days. I understand the argument that you can just put one of the starters at DH as a half off day and play Castro there, but I feel like you can only really get away with that roster strategy if you're regular lineup is absolutely stacked, and I'm a bit iffy about that. Plus, we have enough guys with injury histories that any additional depth in terms of offensive strength would be nice.