Josh Naylor back to Seattle, 5 years

[Cory Engelhardt]

Per Jeff Passan. Adding here because 1b is definitely a need for the twins this offseason too 

[DocBauer]

He was my dream addition to the Twins for 3yrs. He was a perfect fit in many ways. But even without knowing the $ involved in the deal, no way would I have expected the Twins to go 5yrs!

All the more it indicates how poorly they've handled the 1B situation over the past several years. It's time for the FO to adapt and accept that 1B is an important position to fill on a long term basis, and not a "throw away" position where you can just plug anyone in and go.

The fact that Amick is playing 1B...regardless of his horrendous AFL appearance...and the recently acquired Mendez is working out at 1B, indicates that MAYBE they're finally starting to figure that out. 

I'd strongly consider both Gonzalez and Rosario getting some 1B time in 2026. They have good arms, and aren't necessarily poor athletes, but there are questions about how good they might be in the OF. So why not try them at 1B before it's "too late"?

Relatively young but unproven players such as Roden and Fedko are athletic OF, with some power and speed, who have 1B experience. Why not lean hard in to that for 2026? There is a POSSIBLE scenario where they could form a quasi-platoon at 1B while doubling as 4th OF. Now, that assumes they actually prove they can hit at the ML level. And I get that. But any scenario that has Clemens as a player FIGHTING to make the roster instead of being counted on is path I'd like to at least consider. 

I often debate, politely, with other posters about 2026. I'd rather find a short term FA addition for 2026 that is more proven and allow the season to play out at the ML and MILB level to re-evaluate for 2027.

But it's DAMN TIME the FO quits dismissing 1B as some "throw away" spot on the INF, and the Lineup!

BTW, Hrbek, Mientkiewicz, and Morneau say hello. Oh, Sano even passed by with a quick thumbs up.

[Cory Engelhardt]

They have to do something. Could also be via trade. But they need a true middle of the order type of hitter, and 1b or dh is a great spot to start. 

[Mike Sixel]

90-100 million, is the estimate from some station in Seattle.  He was never leaving there. 

[Major League Ready]

10 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

They have to do something. Could also be via trade. But they need a true middle of the order type of hitter, and 1b or dh is a great spot to start. 

They need someone if they try to contend.  I really don't know what path they will take.  If they continue to rebuild, they have all year to work on transitioning Mendez / Gonzalez / Wallner or anyone else they think can make the transition.  Of course, a rebuild could include trading for someone this winter.  If that does not work, they can sign or trade someone next winter.  If they proceed as if they can contend this year, they definitely need to do something.   

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

They need someone if they try to contend.  I really don't know what path they will take.  If they continue to rebuild, they have all year to work on transitioning Mendez / Gonzalez / Wallner or anyone else they think can make the transition.  Of course, a rebuild could include trading for someone this winter.  If that does not work, they can sign or trade someone next winter.  If they proceed as if they can contend this year, they definitely need to do something.   

I think Gonzalez and/or Mendez can have all the time they need at AAA if they are working on 1B.

I'd be surprised if Wallner is part of the 1b plan, but I guess we'll see closer to spring training.

I hope they get someone else. 

[Major League Ready]

There is a pretty good possibility that a trade changes everything.  For right now, I think they start the season with Clemens while they give some prospects playing time at 1B.   I included Wallner because that's a popular idea but agree with you he should not be part of the plan.  I have said more than once that he does not have the hands or foot work for the position.  I suspect they would have transitioned him a year or two ago if there was any chance he could play 1B.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, Major League Ready said:

There is a pretty good possibility that a trade changes everything.  For right now, I think they start the season with Clemens while they give some prospects playing time at 1B.   I included Wallner because that's a popular idea but agree with you he should not be part of the plan.  I have said more than once that he does not have the hands or foot work for the position.  I suspect they would have transitioned him a year or two ago if there was any chance he could play 1B.

I don't know that I can get there with having Clemens be penciled in anywhere. MAYBE as a utility guy on the bench, but as a starter I just can't get there.

That's even IF they do trade some veterans.

[Major League Ready]

13 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't know that I can get there with having Clemens be penciled in anywhere. MAYBE as a utility guy on the bench, but as a starter I just can't get there.

That's even IF they do trade some veterans.

I have said quite a few times I like Clemmens as a bench player, but I don't see a problem with using him as a placeholder if 2026 is a rebuilding year.  I would hope it's just for the 1st 2-3 months of the season and someone else like Mendez emerges. 

[MGX]

3 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

I have said quite a few times I like Clemmens as a bench player, but I don't see a problem with using him as a placeholder if 2026 is a rebuilding year.  I would hope it's just for the 1st 2-3 months of the season and someone else like Mendez emerges. 

Agree with this. If we're trying to win, Ryan O'Hearn would be a nice addition & Clemens would be a useful utility player. If we're rebuilding, then let Clemens play 1B until someone takes the position from him.

[Riverbrian]

18 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't know that I can get there with having Clemens be penciled in anywhere. MAYBE as a utility guy on the bench, but as a starter I just can't get there.

That's even IF they do trade some veterans.

As the roster stands right now. Clemens and Julien would probably both make the roster along with Fitzgerald. 

Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald is your infield.  

It would take two solid additions just to get Clemens or Julien the very last roster spot.

Both Clemens and Julien are out of options so it's 26 man for both of them or exposure to the other 29 teams. 

Another SS would have to be added to knock Fitzgerald off the 26 man. 

And the need for a 1B is loud as the roster currently sits. 

Martin could be converted to primarily IF (2B and 3B work) with occasional OF instead of primarily OF with occasional IF. Not sure he should be utilized like this but he could be. 

These are important considerations because injuries will pull Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald into fairly regular utilization.

This team is simply not in a comfortable enough position to just say Lewis, Lee and Keaschall for 162 games and whatever happens happens. 

I will renew my request that we bring in a solid SS and 1B somehow... someway. 

On the Naylor front in regards to the Twins need at 1B. The AAV hasn't been announced but it will be enough for a 5 year deal and enough to get him to sign very very early in free agency... So I assume it will be a high AAV.

There are a few teams with 1B holes... including some big boys with big money to spend like the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox.

Only Pete Alonso fits big contract worthiness. After that... unless you include Bellinger as a first base free agent option (which you could) it falls pretty steeply to Ryan O' Hearn as possibly the third best option and he has been a platoon hitter of late. Arraez and Hoskins are what's left along with aging Goldschmidt and Santana. 

The Yankees, Red Sox and Mets could compete for Alonso... Two won't get him and the others could also consider a free agent 3B like Bregman, Saurez and that Murikami guy while shifting someone to 1B. 

Other teams that potentially need a 1B. White Sox, Astros, D-Backs, Reds, Rockies, Padres and Nats. 

That's 10 teams (not including the Twins) with possible needs at 1B and maybe 5 solid options if you include 3B and OF candidates (Alonso, Bregman, Saurez, Murikami, Bellinger) And 4 so-so options (Arraez, Hoskins, O' Hearn and Andujar).

I worry there are not enough chairs for all the teams walking around the chairs when the music stops.

I think the Twins should just stay out of this mess and try to trade for a young 1B.     

  

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

As the roster stands right now. Clemens and Julien would probably both make the roster along with Fitzgerald. 

Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald is your infield.  

It would take two solid additions just to get Clemens or Julien the very last roster spot.

Both Clemens and Julien are out of options so it's 26 man for both of them or exposure to the other 29 teams. 

Another SS would have to be added to knock Fitzgerald off the 26 man. 

And the need for a 1B is loud as the roster currently sits. 

Martin could be converted to primarily IF (2B and 3B work) with occasional OF instead of primarily OF with occasional IF. Not sure he should be utilized like this but he could be. 

These are important considerations because injuries will pull Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald into fairly regular utilization.

This team is simply not in a comfortable enough position to just say Lewis, Lee and Keaschall for 162 games and whatever happens happens. 

I will renew my request that we bring in a solid SS and 1B somehow... someway. 

On the Naylor front in regards to the Twins need at 1B. The AAV hasn't been announced but it will be enough for a 5 year deal and enough to get him to sign very very early in free agency... So I assume it will be a high AAV.

There are a few teams with 1B holes... including some big boys with big money to spend like the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox.

Only Pete Alonso fits big contract worthiness. After that... unless you include Bellinger as a first base free agent option (which you could) it falls pretty steeply to Ryan O' Hearn as possibly the third best option and he has been a platoon hitter of late. Arraez and Hoskins are what's left along with aging Goldschmidt and Santana. 

The Yankees, Red Sox and Mets could compete for Alonso... Two won't get him and the others could also consider a free agent 3B like Bregman, Saurez and that Murikami guy while shifting someone to 1B. 

Other teams that potentially need a 1B. White Sox, Astros, D-Backs, Reds, Rockies, Padres and Nats. 

That's 10 teams (not including the Twins) with possible needs at 1B and maybe 5 solid options if you include 3B and OF candidates (Alonso, Bregman, Saurez, Murikami, Bellinger) And 4 so-so options (Arraez, Hoskins, O' Hearn and Andujar).

I worry there are not enough chairs for all the teams walking around the chairs when the music stops.

I think the Twins should just stay out of this mess and try to trade for a young 1B.     

  

 

You think Julien is still with the team after tomorrow? I guess we'll see.

But I do think trading for someone makes a ton of sense.

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I think Gonzalez and/or Mendez can have all the time they need at AAA if they are working on 1B.

I'd be surprised if Wallner is part of the 1b plan, but I guess we'll see closer to spring training.

I hope they get someone else. 

Yeah, Wallner physically looks like he should be at 1B, but I agree, I don't think they ever try him there. It will be interesting to see who they do try to move though.

[Riverbrian]

4 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

You think Julien is still with the team after tomorrow? I guess we'll see.

But I do think trading for someone makes a ton of sense.

I have no idea what to expect tomorrow. I'm as curious about it as I have ever been in any given year. 

I'm just saying... as the roster stands right now. Typically teams need around 6 players on a 26 man roster. Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald are options 4, 5 and 6 as it stands.

The combination of Offense in my opinion the biggest priority to be fixed and Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald currently being options 4, 5 and 6 are why... in my opinion... that a 1B and SS are nearly critical and the Naylor early signing and how many teams could be shopping leaves me little hope that 1B can be decently addressed via free agency.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, Riverbrian said:

I have no idea what to expect tomorrow. I'm as curious about it as I have ever been in any given year. 

I'm just saying... as the roster stands right now. Typically teams need around 6 players on a 26 man roster. Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald are options 4, 5 and 6 as it stands.

The combination of Offense in my opinion the biggest priority to be fixed and Clemens, Julien and Fitzgerald currently being options 4, 5 and 6 are why... in my opinion... that a 1B and SS are nearly critical and the Naylor early signing and how many teams could be shopping leaves me little hope that 1B can be decently addressed via free agency.  

I agree with you. For his credit, Clemens is actually pretty decent defensively at 1b. I don't see the point of having Julien defensively anywhere, so we'll see how the offseason goes.