MeleMouth’s 2027 Payroll Blueprint: MeleMouth Blueprint

[MeleMouth]

Based on mostly bringing back the same gang, except trading Larnach and Ryan for prospects and adding Drew Millas from WSN in a minor trade. Jimmy Crooks from StL could be a back-up target.

This is highly unlikely to be anywhere near the Opening Day roster and I am likely to change my mind, also, so these thoughts are valid only for a short time.

No large dollar free agents are being signed, but the 2027 team should approach the weak free agent market opportunistically, particularly for OF, 1B, and P. "Keep your powder dry," said Oliver Cromwell. "Wait for the opportune moment," said Captain Jack Sparrow. 

Large dollar free agents this year are unlikely to meaningfully change the short-term trajectory of the team, whereas they would lard up the payroll of future teams that have a higher potential with expensive, declining veterans, making it harder to add to those teams. Hopefully those future teams will have a smarter front office that can take advantage of their opportune moments.

Lopez is moved to closer. If he thrives in the role, he will be traded at mid-season. Fandom and "liking" a player does not impact decisions that should be made for the betterment of the team.

It's not a thrilling roster if you want "hope," but it is a roster that gives the Twins a more honest chance to have a better future.

• C: Victor Caratini ($7.00M)
• 1B: Royce Lewis ($5.10M)
• 2B: Kody Clemens ($3.60M)
• 3B: Brooks Lee ($1.00M)
• SS: Kaelen Culpepper ($1.00M)
• LF: Alan Roden ($1.00M)
• CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M)
• RF: Walker Jenkins ($1.00M)
• DH: Luke Keaschall ($1.00M)
• 4th OF: Emmanuel Rodriguez ($1.00M)
• Utility: Austin Martin ($1.00M)
• Utility: Ryan Kreidler ($1.00M)
• Backup C: Drew Millas ($1M)
• POS: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M)
• SP1: Mick Abel ($1.00M)
• SP2: Zebby Matthews ($1.00M)
• SP3: Dean Kremer ($6.50M)
• SP4: Connor Prielipp ($1.00M)
• SP5: Taj Bradley ($4.50M)
• RP: Jeff Hoffman ($7.25M)
• RP: Pablo Lopez ($21.50M)
• RP: Tommy Nance ($1.20M)
• RP: Marco Raya ($1M)
• RP: Kody Funderburk ($1.00M)
• RP: Travis Adams ($1.00M)
• RP: Andrew Morris ($1.00M)
• RP: Bailey Ober ($6.90M)
• POS: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M)

Payroll is 29.96% under budget

[tony&rodney]

Interesting to read your thought process and see your choices. That is a young rotation. I'm guessing Ryan is traded for prospects a ways off. It seems unusual to move a starting pitcher returning from injury to the bullpen but it could work. 

One detail I have noticed from several rosters is the movement of Luke Keaschall to DH and a few people have him in left field. Left field is more difficult and larger at Target Field, which is why the move from 2B to Rf was made last season. Of course, the Twins could move him again. DH is a very difficult position for an athletic young player. While I think every outfielder will be used as a DH at some point, I'm not seeing Keaschall as a DH more than once per week.

[Cory Engelhardt]

48 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Interesting to read your thought process and see your choices. That is a young rotation. I'm guessing Ryan is traded for prospects a ways off. It seems unusual to move a starting pitcher returning from injury to the bullpen but it could work. 

One detail I have noticed from several rosters is the movement of Luke Keaschall to DH and a few people have him in left field. Left field is more difficult and larger at Target Field, which is why the move from 2B to Rf was made last season. Of course, the Twins could move him again. DH is a very difficult position for an athletic young player. While I think every outfielder will be used as a DH at some point, I'm not seeing Keaschall as a DH more than once per week.

I do think you are right that Keaschall makes sense in right field at Target field more than left field. Wish his arm were stronger. But his range SHOULD improve with practice and reps.