Bye Round or Bust: Another Reason for the Twins to Be Aggressive

Since the season ended against the Houston Astros last year, the Minnesota Twins have gone out of their way to do almost everything wrong from an engagement perspective. They didn’t need to pull off a Juan Soto trade or sign Blake Snell to an ugly contract. What they did need to do was ride the positive momentum.

With ownership slashing payroll and the television debacle playing out, there have been multiple self-induced missteps. Now, suggesting that additional funds are nowhere to be found at the deadline, despite a potential influx to right the television situation, Minnesota is doing it to themselves again. In a position to make the playoffs, and with a core that can make noise, now isn’t the time to shy away from competition.

Of the teams mentioned above, the Twins may benefit most from putting themselves in a better position. Minnesota is not a juggernaut, and no amount of additions they make will change that reality. Suggesting that they may play flat if they have a first-round bye in the postseason only makes sense if you’d prefer Rocco Baldelli’s team play more games in hopes of winning a World Series. Postseason expansion has helped to keep more organizations engaged in the regular season, but the quick wild card series isn't something that the Twins should want to repeat.

The Twins should look to position themselves so that their path to the Fall Classic avoids as many pitfalls as possible. While they handled the Blue Jays in a short series a season ago, anything can happen over the course of three games. There are questions as to how the starting rotation will hold up behind the top three arms. The underbelly of the bullpen is concerning, and the roster must remain fresh if they are going to execute that final sprint.

Right now, the Twins farm system may be deeper than it has at any time in recent memory. The big league roster also doesn’t have gaping holes that need substantial additions to move it forward. There should be no reason that a starter and reliever, at minimum, can't be acquired. Derek Falvey should be told he can go for it, and that doesn’t mean he has to acquire gaudy salaries. What it does mean is that he should be allowed to operate in a manner where no stone is left unturned.

It’s possible that the Twins' ownership will further limit payroll next season with decreasing television revenues. Continuing to operate this way, while the team is drawing well and competitive, is a slap in the face to fans and a focus on winning. Minnesota is doing everything it can with the players they have now. There is room for them to do more by bringing in a few key reinforcements.

An additional investment, with long-term ripple effects, was warranted this offseason and didn’t happen. It’s warranted again right now, and there are just days for everyone in the front office to get aligned on making it happen. Now isn’t the time to just dip a toe in. Go after it.