Carlos Santana vs. Justin Turner: Which Veteran Should the Twins Choose?

As the Minnesota Twins continue to shape their roster for 2025, they find themselves at a crossroads in deciding which veteran presence could best serve their team. Two names stand out: Carlos Santana and Justin Turner. Each offers unique skills and challenges, forcing the Twins to weigh their options carefully, considering their owner-imposed payroll limitations.

The Case for Carlos Santana
Santana joined the Twins in 2024 and made his mark with Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base. Reports have the Twins interested in a reunion with Santana, if the price is right. While his offensive output was underwhelming (.238/.328/.420 with a 109 OPS+), his ability to anchor the infield defense helped stabilize the team, especially with Alex Kirilloff battling injuries (which eventually led to his retirement). Santana’s leadership and familiarity with the clubhouse make him a known commodity for Rocco Baldelli and his coaching staff.

However, Santana won’t come as cheaply this time around. His defensive value and intangibles might command a deal for more than the $5.25 million he signed for last season. The Twins are already navigating a tight budget. Re-signing Santana would limit their ability to address other roster needs, such as finding a right-handed outfielder or bolstering the bullpen.

The Case for Justin Turner
Turner brings an entirely different profile to the table. At 40 years old, Turner continues to defy Father Time with his bat, slashing .259/.354/.383, with a 114 OPS+ in 139 games. His season ended on a high note, as his OPS+ rose from 107 in Toronto to 128 in Seattle after a midseason trade. Over the last four seasons, he has averaged a 117 OPS+, which is 20 points higher than Santana's during that same period. His offensive production could help the Twins lineup, but there is also a good chance his age will slow him down.

Turner’s defensive skills, however, are limited. While he has experience at third and first base, he’s far from a defensive stalwart with -1 OAA last season. The Twins would likely use him primarily as a designated hitter, but that would prevent Baldelli from rotating other hitters through the DH spot, which the manager prefers to be able to do. Turner signed a one-year, $13 million deal last season, and he will likely make significantly less than that this year because his age and defensive limitations make him a riskier bet.

The Payroll Crunch
The Twins’ financial situation looms large in this decision. Minnesota’s projected payroll already sits north of $140 million when all arbitration salaries are decided, which is $8-10 million over their owner-imposed limit. The team needs to maximize every dollar spent this offseason, especially in the suddenly competitive AL Central. Santana’s familiarity and defense might justify a higher price, but Turner’s offensive production could provide value, especially if the team is confident in its internal options to cover first base defensively.

Who Fits Best?
This decision ultimately comes down to roster construction. If the Twins prioritize run prevention and wish to maintain stability at first base, Santana is the logical choice. He provides superior defense and is a known leader within the organization. On the other hand, if the Twins believe their offense needs an upgrade, Turner’s bat could provide a boost. His ability to extend at-bats, hit for power, and get on base would deepen a lineup that often went cold in critical situations during the 2024 season. For what it's worth, he's also widely renowned as one of the game's good guys, both in clubhouses and in the community, so off the field, relatively little would be lost by pivoting from Santana to Turner. The front office must decide if the elder of two superannuated veterans is a good fit, when both players will likely see a slight overall decline in 2025. 

Santana and Turner bring unique strengths, but their weaknesses reflect the Twins’ broader challenges this offseason. Payroll constraints mean that every decision will have ripple effects across the roster. If the Twins can find affordable defensive depth elsewhere, Turner might provide the offensive spark they need. However, Santana remains the safer choice if they want to maintain defensive consistency and leadership.

Ultimately, this decision will reveal the Twins’ priorities for 2025: will they double down on defense and familiarity or gamble on an aging but productive bat? Either way, Minnesota’s front office must thread the needle carefully.

Who is a better fit for the 2025 Twins? Santana? Turner? Leave a comment and start the discussion.