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After the most successful postseason in decades, Rocco Baldelli and Derek Falvey were told payroll was going to be slashed. Despite that decision from the top, internal talent has kept the franchise relevant and now they can grab some reinforcements.
There are more than a handful of names available on the open market. Sizable moves have already taken place with Randy Arozarena, Danny Jansen, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all having been moved. Regardless of who Minnesota brings in, there are three imperative realities to take care of prior to Tuesday’s deadline.
1. A Left-Handed Reliever
This move is front and center for a multitude of reasons. It’s arguably going to cost the least amount in the form of both prospect and dollar compensation. It’s also a barebones decision to add relief help for a talented team, and that’s exactly what the Twins are. There is also the reality that Minnesota currently doesn’t employ a capable option.
Caleb Thielbar looks like the pitcher he was after his career resurgence. Kody Funderburk is on the injured list due to a strained oblique. Steven Okert, acquired for Nick Gordon this offseason, has been mostly mediocre continues to trend downwards. It was about the time Detroit’s Colt Keith took Okert deep on Saturday night that reality set in: Minnesota doesn’t have a single trustworthy southpaw in the bullpen. That has to change, and there isn’t an internal option.
2. A Starting Pitcher
When Sonny Gray departed this offseason it was fine because Minnesota was never going to pay an aging arm that sort of freight for that time period. The assumption was that they would add a playoff-caliber starter through trade, but they turned from that premise as well. Pitching is expensive, in one form or another, and ownership isn’t interested in finding out how much.
At this point, it would be sheer negligence not to add something. Simeon Woods Richardson has been a saving grace for ownership, but he's approaching a career-high innings mark. Chris Paddack is dealing with a forearm strain. Will the team want to rely on Louie Varland, David Festa , a meteoric rise for Zebby Matthews, or promoting Randy Dobnak to catch Cleveland?
The Twins very likely aren’t going to add a top two starter, though they should. Finding someone to eat innings and contribute, with a higher ceiling than Dallas Keuchel last season, should be seen as a must. If they can be around next year as well, great.
3. A Payroll Boost
Tying into both of the aforementioned moves, spending some money needs to be part of the showing. It is well established that ownership won’t be adding $10 million. Despite taking a terrible (but most lucrative) television deal and thwarting fans, investing in the product doesn’t appear to be an integral part of the strategy.
Still, the Twins can’t add talent by subtracting from the group they already employ. Shipping out a big-league asset, or trying to skimp out of taking on dollars while increasing the prospect haul, would be incredibly shortsighted. That has been the blueprint for months now, and at some point, some forward-thinking common sense should factor in.
The hours continue to tick away. Go get it done.
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