Could J.P. Crawford Be a Fit for the Twins' 2027 Infield?

The Minnesota Twins have several young infielders who could play important roles in 2027, but that does not mean the team should ignore opportunities to add an experienced major leaguer. With questions surrounding Royce Lewis and uncertainty about how the infield will look beyond next season, Minnesota could benefit from adding a player capable of handling multiple positions.

That is where free agent J.P. Crawford enters the conversation. The longtime Seattle Mariners shortstop is coming off a disappointing season, but he still offers major league experience, on-base ability and some versatility. The Athletic's Jim Bowden identified the Twins as a potential landing spot for Crawford and projected a two-year, $20 million contract.

There are reasons to question whether Crawford belongs in Minnesota, especially given the organization's existing infield options. However, the right combination of roster flexibility and affordability could make this an intriguing opportunity for the Twins.

Crawford Brings Experience and a Familiar Skill Set

Crawford entered professional baseball as a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013. He made his big league debut in 2017 before joining Seattle in a trade following the 2018 season. Beginning in 2019, he became the Mariners' primary shortstop and eventually established himself as the franchise's all-time leader in games played at the position.

At his best, Crawford combined reliable defense with an ability to reach base. He won a Gold Glove Award in 2020 and demonstrated throughout his career that he could work counts rather than simply swing for power. Since reaching the majors, he has produced a .245/.340/.367 batting line, an 18.8% strikeout rate and an 11.5% walk rate. His career 106 wRC+ indicates that he has been a slightly above-average offensive contributor overall.

Crawford's recent production has been inconsistent. In 2025, he accumulated 2.8 fWAR with a 113 wRC+ across 154 games. His numbers declined in 2026, when he produced 1.2 fWAR and a 105 wRC+ in 116 games. He finished the season with a .221/.335/.352 line and 14 home runs. His ability to get on base remained a positive, even as his overall production slipped.

Seattle also changed Crawford's defensive responsibilities during the 2026 season. The Mariners moved him to third base to open a spot for top prospect Colt Emerson, giving Crawford additional experience at the hot corner after years as the team's primary shortstop.

That transition could help Minnesota, although Crawford's declining defensive metrics deserve attention. He recorded -12 Defensive Runs Saved and -13 Outs Above Average in 720 innings at shortstop in 2026. His numbers improved to zero in both categories across 254 1/3 innings at third base, but that is a relatively limited sample.

Crawford is no longer the defensive player he was earlier in his career. The Twins would need to evaluate whether his current defensive ability translates to second base or whether he is best suited for a reduced role across the infield.

Where Would Crawford Fit in Minnesota?

At first glance, the Twins do not have an obvious vacancy for Crawford. Brooks Lee is positioned to handle third base, while Kaelen Culpepper could enter 2027 as the starting shortstop. Both players represent important parts of Minnesota's efforts to build around younger talent.

Second base provides a more interesting possibility. Kody Clemens currently appears positioned to handle that assignment, but his versatility could be valuable if the Twins add another regular contributor. Minnesota could move Clemens between first base, second base and other positions as needed, creating opportunities to rest players without significantly weakening the lineup.

Crawford has limited experience at second base, recording 32 1/3 innings at the position in 2017. That is not enough to guarantee he could successfully handle the spot every day, but it gives the Twins a reason to explore the possibility rather than dismissing him because the roster already includes a shortstop and third baseman.

Royce Lewis is another important part of this equation. After three below-average seasons, Minnesota could consider moving on from the former first overall pick. If Lewis is no longer part of the long-term plan, the Twins would have another opening to address, and Crawford's ability to move around the infield could become more valuable.

There is also the longer-term picture to consider. Marek Houston is an intriguing young shortstop prospect who could eventually push his way into the major league lineup. Signing Crawford would not need to block that development. Instead, a veteran infielder could help bridge the gap while allowing Minnesota to adjust its alignment as young players progress.

The key is avoiding a situation where Crawford occupies a spot without providing a clear upgrade. The Twins need to establish his defensive home and determine how his presence would affect Lee, Culpepper and Clemens before making an offer.

What Would Crawford Cost?

Bowden's projected two-year, $20 million contract provides a reasonable starting point for evaluating Crawford's market. That would represent an average annual value of $10 million, a manageable commitment compared with the cost of signing some of the offseason's more prominent free agents.

Crawford's 2026 performance could give the Twins some negotiating leverage. His offensive production declined from the previous season, and his defensive numbers at shortstop raise questions about how much value he can provide at that position. Those concerns could prevent him from receiving the kind of contract available to younger players or established impact infielders.

At the same time, his experience and history of reaching base should appeal to a team looking for a dependable major league contributor. His 2025 season also offers evidence that he can still provide meaningful value when his bat is productive.

Minnesota should not assume Crawford can return to his previous defensive form, nor should it pay for the player he was several years ago. Any contract needs to reflect the possibility that his best remaining role is as a second baseman and utility infielder rather than an everyday shortstop.

Still, two years at $20 million would give the Twins a veteran with a lengthy major league track record without requiring an extended commitment. If Crawford performs well, he could become a dependable part of the lineup. If his production continues to decline, the contract would not tie Minnesota to him for several seasons.

Should the Twins Pursue Crawford?

The Twins have plenty of young infield talent, but having options is not the same as having every position solved. Lee and Culpepper need opportunities to establish themselves, Clemens offers useful versatility, and Houston could eventually change the infield picture again.

Crawford would add another experienced player to that mix. His defensive decline makes him a less attractive candidate to serve as Minnesota's everyday shortstop, but his offensive approach, major league experience and ability to move around the diamond remain appealing.

The Twins should be willing to offer Crawford the two-year, $20 million contract Bowden projects if other free agent options don't pan out. That price would represent a reasonable investment in a player who could provide lineup flexibility while the organization evaluates its younger infielders. However, it seems more likely for the Twins to be in the market for an infield bat with more upside. 

Minnesota would need a clear plan for getting Crawford regular playing time, particularly at second base. However, if the Twins can find that fit, Crawford could be a useful addition to the 2027 roster without preventing the organization's young players from earning their opportunities.

Should the Twins pursue Crawford? How would he fit in the team’s infield plans? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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