What the Twins’ International Signings from 2019 to 2022 Tell Us

[DocBauer]

Sano, despite pushback due to expectations, was actually a success story. So was Kepler...from the European market. And so was Arraez and Polanco.

But SOMETHING really changed the last few seasons. Poor scouting? But also, let's remember that the 16-17yo kids have been almost promised to sign since they were 14-16 yo.

Didn't I just hear that the Yankees voided ever deal in place and fired some scouts?

It's a weird and mixed up market to be sure. I'm in favor of an international draft to eliminate foreign agents/scouts to profit off of young kids for there slice of a deal. I want the $ to go to the kids and their families. But an IL draft has to be outside the ML draft doesn't it? Can you include 16 and 17yo in the actual draft?, IDK, maybe you can. SOME HS kids drafted are barely 18yo. So maybe drafing IL kids from a different country could be a different draft instead of the MLB draft?

But perhaps I'm digressing too much in regards to the OP.

The FO has changed over the scouting department for IL signings. That will take 2-4yrs to find out if that is the right choice. But what I never understood since 2017 when Falvey took over, is the history of quality in regard to Latin arms, and Catchers especially. We offen look at great INF talent. And we shouldn't dismiss that opportunity as well. 

But in the history of the franchise, from Cuba to Venezuela, to the DR the Twins used to be productive in finding talent. We can only hope that a recent change of those in charge will make a difference. Unfortunately, it might take a few seasons to see if the Falvey changes will actually make a difference. 

[bean5302]

On 1/9/2026 at 10:15 PM, DocBauer said:

...The FO has changed over the scouting department for IL signings. That will take 2-4yrs to find out if that is the right choice...

I've seen this sentiment before. The part I don't like is why was a demonstratably incompetent front office allowed to come up with a new strategy? Falvey hired the people he later scapegoated. He changed strategies at the plate, in the field, in negotiations. Pretty much everywhere due to failures in performance. The only thing which has been steady in this organization since 2017 is... Falvey being wrong.

Biggest problem for me with the ownership of this franchise has been the lack of accountability for the heads of the program.

[tony&rodney]

On 1/11/2026 at 11:35 AM, bean5302 said:

Biggest problem for me with the ownership of this franchise has been the lack of accountability for the heads of the program.

When all things are considered, this is the final answer for people looking for an answer to the failures in the Twins organization. Falvey was hired on October 3, 2016.

The team has totally depended on players scouted and signed by previous folks. Now the Twins are hopeful that they manage to have a half dozen players get votes for ROY to show off the farm system. I hope it happens, but it isn't much of a strategy. I'm completely flummoxed by how deeply Falvey owns the Pohlads.