Can the Twins Do Better Than Ryan Kreidler? Three Options Worth Exploring

[Matthew Taylor]

The Minnesota Twins entered the 2026 season with three different options to fill their utility role. Orlando Garcia, Tristan Gray, and Ryan Kreidler all got opportunities with the big-league club, but by the end of the season, it was Kreidler who had established himself as the team's primary utility man. The Twins claimed Kreidler off waivers last offseason, and the move wasn't necessarily made because of what he could provide offensively. It was his glove and defensive versatility that made him an intriguing option. 

Kreidler finished the 2026 season with an 85 OPS+ and eight home runs, which certainly isn't going to make anyone forget about his offensive limitations, but it was a respectable contribution from someone brought in primarily for his defense. Kreidler can handle shortstop and center field while providing additional defensive flexibility around the diamond. That combination made him a useful piece for the Twins, and with another year of pre-arbitration eligibility, Minnesota could bring him back for the league minimum in 2027. If the Twins want to keep things inexpensive, Kreidler is an obvious candidate to return as the team's backup shortstop and utility man.

The argument for bringing Kreidler back becomes a little more complicated when looking beyond his overall season numbers. While an 85 OPS+ was better than anyone could reasonably have expected, it also masks just how much he struggled offensively down the stretch. After July 15, Kreidler posted a .558 OPS with just nine extra-base hits in 125 plate appearances. That's a pretty significant offensive drop-off, especially for a team that could already be losing some important production from its lineup. With Josh Bell likely no longer in the picture and Ryan Jeffers' future uncertain following his qualifying offer, the Twins can't afford to have too many spots in their lineup where opposing pitchers can expect little offensive resistance. Kreidler's glove is valuable, but there is a limit to how much offensive production a team can sacrifice for defensive versatility.

The Twins also don't have an obvious internal replacement waiting in the wings. Ben Ross has potential, but trusting the 25-year-old with a regular big-league role right away would be a gamble. Marek Houston isn't quite ready to make that jump either. Meanwhile, Kody Clemens provides plenty of defensive flexibility and can move around the diamond, but the biggest need for Minnesota is someone who can reliably handle shortstop when Kaelen Culpepper needs a day off or is unavailable. If the Twins decide they don't want to rely on Kreidler in that role, the free-agent market offers a few interesting alternatives.

There are three players in particular who could make sense for Minnesota heading into 2027.

Mauricio Dubon (Diamond Centric's No. 22 ranked free agent)

Mauricio Dubon (Diamond Centric's No. 22-ranked free agent) is perhaps the most natural fit from a defensive standpoint. The eight-year veteran is coming off the best offensive season of his career, posting a 98 OPS+ with 12 home runs. More importantly, Dubon can play just about anywhere on the diamond. He appeared in 62 games at shortstop last season and recorded six Outs Above Average at the position, making him a legitimate defensive option rather than someone who simply provides emergency coverage. At 32 years old, he's also an experienced player who wouldn't need much adjustment time to step into a utility role. MLB Trade Rumors projects Dubon to receive a two-year, $18 million contract. That's a decent chunk of change for a utility player, but his ability to contribute at several positions would give the Twins plenty of flexibility.

 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (No. 75)

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (No. 75) is another familiar name who could make sense. Technically, Kiner-Falefa was a member of the Twins for about two days in 2022 after being acquired from Texas in the Mitch Garver trade. He was then included in the deal that sent Josh Donaldson to the Yankees before ever appearing in a game for Minnesota. Five years later, he could finally get an opportunity to wear a Twins uniform. Kiner-Falefa still offers a strong defensive presence and can handle shortstop, second base, and third base. He isn't going to provide much power, but he's a player who consistently puts the ball in play and can give a team competent at-bats without sacrificing much defensively. He wouldn't necessarily represent a significant offensive upgrade over Kreidler, but his track record and experience would make him a dependable option.

 

J.P. Crawford (No. 76)

J.P. Crawford (No. 76) might be the most interesting option of the group, particularly if the Twins are looking for someone who can provide more offensive upside. Crawford is coming off a down year at the plate in 2026, but he's a career 105 OPS+ hitter and is just one season removed from posting a 110 OPS+ with the Mariners in 2025. That season, he hit 12 home runs and posted a .352 on-base percentage. Crawford brings excellent plate discipline and has consistently demonstrated an ability to get on base. If he can recapture some of the power he has shown in previous seasons, he could provide a meaningful boost to the Minnesota lineup. He's also an experienced shortstop, although his defensive ability isn't on the same level as the other options listed here. Crawford would essentially be an offensive addition who could handle shortstop when needed, rather than someone the Twins would acquire primarily for his glove. His left-handed bat would also make for an interesting complement to right-handed Kaelen Culpepper . MLB Trade Rumors projects Crawford to receive a two-year, $16 million contract.

 

Of the three players listed, Crawford is the one I'd be most interested in bringing to Minnesota. The defensive concerns are legitimate, and he doesn't offer the same versatility as Dubon, Kiner-Falefa, or even Kreidler. However, the Twins already have some flexibility with Clemens, and they don't necessarily need their backup shortstop to be someone who can play every position on the field. They need someone who can competently handle shortstop while providing a legitimate offensive threat when he's in the lineup. Crawford checks those boxes better than anyone else on this list.

The Twins could certainly decide that Kreidler's defensive contributions and inexpensive contract make him the best option. There is something to be said for having a player who already knows the organization and has demonstrated that he can handle a big-league utility role. But with the potential for several offensive departures this offseason, Minnesota should be looking for ways to add more production rather than settling for another season of hoping a light-hitting utility player can do enough with his glove.

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Would you rather see the Twins stick with Kreidler and his inexpensive contract, or would you prefer they spend some money to bring in an established veteran? Of these three options, who would you want to see Minnesota pursue? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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[tony&rodney]

Guess the payroll will be substantial if the Twins can entertain spending up to $10M on a utility player after first considering their needs at catcher, adding two good bullpen arms, and a bat for the right side of the infield. If the payroll goes to $170M, sure, add Dubon.

[thelanges5]

His name is Ben Ross - spend the $$ elsewhere. Bullpen or a better bat.