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As the dust settles on a lackluster 2024 season, the Minnesota Twins face a critical decision at first base. For a team aiming to contend in 2025, first base was a glaring weak spot in the lineup, and while Carlos Santana brought some stability defensively, his bat didn’t keep pace with the team’s offensive needs. Enter Paul Goldschmidt — a potential free agent target who could be a game-changer for the Twins as they seek to bounce back.
When the Twins signed Santana ahead of the 2024 season, they were betting on a veteran presence to anchor the defense and bring some consistency to the lineup. Defensively, Santana more than lived up to his billing. At 38 years old, Santana was solid as a rock at first base. His ability to scoop up errant throws, command the infield, and provide Gold Glove-level defense gave the Twins much-needed confidence in their infield alignment. Santana’s experience was particularly valuable given the youth movement elsewhere, with players like Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee still developing their defensive chops.
However, Santana’s struggles at the plate quickly became impossible to ignore. The Twins knew they weren’t getting the same player who hit 30+ home runs in his prime, but Santana’s .238/.328/.420 (.748) slash line fell far below what the team needed from a run-producing position. He managed 23 home runs, and though his walk rate remained solid, he often found himself unable to square up pitches he would have punished earlier in his career. A team built on power and patience at the plate couldn’t afford to have such a steep drop-off in production from its first baseman.
Paul Goldschmidt is a name that should be at the top of the Twins’ offseason wish list. The 2022 National League MVP is likely to test free agency, and the Twins could be one of the teams looking to make a serious push for his services.
Offensively, although Goldschmidt is coming off a down year (which might help put him in Minnesota's realistic price range), his track record puts Santana's to shame. Goldy has a 139 career OPS+ and was at 120 or higher in four straight seasons prior to 2024. Santana, conversely, has a 114 OPS+ in his career and hasn't finished above 109 since 2019. While Goldschmidt's production this past year was disappointing, and concerning in light of his age, he posted solid contact metrics per Statcast and ended the year on a high note.
Goldschmidt is more than just a bat. He has elite defensive skills, which would continue the defensive excellence the Twins had with Santana while giving the offense the boost it so desperately needs. During his career, he has five seasons with 3 OAA or more at first base. During his illustrious career, he’s also won four Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers. Adding Goldschmidt to the middle of the Twins’ lineup could provide a veteran presence that the team missed in 2024, especially during their historic collapse.
Of course, landing a player with Goldschmidt’s resume will be challenging. He’s coming off a down year with the Cardinals, so that might limit his interest. But if the Twins want to move past their disappointing 2024 campaign and return to the postseason, first base is one of the first places to start. Goldschmidt represents the type of upgrade that could help the Twins turn a corner and provide a veteran leader to guide their younger stars.
As the offseason begins, the Twins’ front office must carefully evaluate their options at first base. While Santana’s defense was a welcome addition in 2024, his offensive decline made it clear that the team can’t afford to run it back with the same plan. First base is a position built for power, and the Twins need to upgrade if they hope to compete in 2025.
Minnesota has rotated through subpar options at first base for multiple seasons, and it’s time for that trend to end. Alex Kirilloff and Donovan Solano filled the role in recent seasons, but they have been more role players than providing a roster-changing presence. Goldschmidt can potentially elevate the Twins’ lineup and stabilize the team offensively and defensively.
Should the Twins target Goldschmidt? Are there other first-base options on the team’s free-agent list? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
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