3 Speedy Free Agents Who Could Jumpstart the Twins' Sluggish Offense

As the dust settles on the 2024 season, one glaring statistic stands out for the Minnesota Twins: they were the slowest team in baseball. Finishing dead last in stolen bases with just 65, the Twins capped off their seventh consecutive season in the bottom 10 for swiping bags. On top of that, their sprint speed ranked last in the league at a sluggish 26.8 feet per second. The lack of speed on the basepaths has become a major liability, for a team that once thrived on power and was known for putting the ball over the fence.

Time and again, we saw outs handed away because of poor baserunning or simply not having the speed to take an extra base. Whether it was a missed opportunity to stretch a single into a double or a runner thrown out trying to advance, the absence of a reliable running game hurt the Twins throughout the season, especially in key moments down the stretch.

It’s no secret that the Twins have prioritized power over speed under Derek Falvey, That worked great when they led the league in home runs, but in 2024, they finished a middling 14th. When the power wasn’t enough to carry the offense, the team’s lack of speed left them with no other dimension to exploit. Without the threat of baserunning or the ability to create pressure with speed, they became too predictable.

With the offseason ahead and names like Kyle Farmer, Max Kepler, Manuel Margot, and Carlos Santana potentially departing, the Twins have a chance to infuse some speed into the roster. Some of these players were contributors with decent speed, but others were anchors, slowing down the lineup. Regardless, there's now an opportunity to reshape this team by adding some fleet-footed players who could make a real impact in 2025.

Let’s take a look at a few affordable free agents the Twins could target to add much-needed speed and baserunning acumen to this aging, slow roster.

José Iglesias, Infielder
A veteran well-known to the Twins from his days in Detroit, José Iglesias, still possesses solid speed despite being 35 years old next season. In 2024, he ranked 99th in baseball, landing in the 83rd percentile for sprint speed. Iglesias doesn’t bring much power to the table, but he continues to hit for average, boasting a .337 mark in 85 games for the Mets this past season. His ability to play second base, third base, and shortstop makes him a versatile option to replace someone like Kyle Farmer. Iglesias’ speed and contact-hitting could provide the Twins with a spark that’s been missing.

Kevin Pillar, Outfielder
Kevin Pillar has been on Twins fans’ radars for a while as a potential fourth outfielder who can handle center field when Byron Buxton is sidelined. Now, more than ever, Pillar’s value could extend beyond just being a defensive backup. Ranking 126th in sprint speed (78th percentile), Pillar would immediately provide the Twins with more speed in the outfield. His ability to play all three outfield spots gives flexibility, and he would be an upgrade over Manuel Margot in terms of both speed and defense.

Garrett Hampson, Utility
If the Twins are truly committed to adding speed, Garrett Hampson is their guy. In 2024, Hampson ranked 10th in MLB for sprint speed, sitting in the 99th percentile. His versatility is reminiscent of Willi Castro, as he can play almost anywhere on the field, both in the infield and outfield. The catch? His bat is a significant weakness—he posted a .576 OPS last season, though he flashed potential in 2023 with a .729 OPS. Hampson hasn’t been a prolific base stealer, but his elite speed could give the Twins a weapon they’ve been lacking, and he should be a cost-effective option.

Speed should be a top priority as the Twins contemplate how to reshape their roster for 2025. Adding a few of these names could complement to the team’s power approach and help avoid the baserunning issues plaguing them this season. The post-2017 Twins have been stuck in a one-dimensional offensive identity, but with the right moves, they can once again put pressure on opposing defenses in ways that go beyond hitting the long ball.

What do you think? Are any of these players worth a shot in free agency? Should the Twins focus more on speed in the offseason? Share your thoughts in the comments below!