Old Friends: Which Former Twins Could Return In 2016?

In the past two offseasons alone, the Twins have re-enlisted five former players – Torii Hunter, Jason Kubel, Jason Bartlett, Matt Guerrier, Eddie Guardado (as a coach) – and the club always seems to be tied to a number of familiar old names.

So today we'll look at some past team members who will be available in free agency, which officially opens on Saturday morning, and rate the likelihood of a reunion in each case.

A.J. Pierzynski - C

Years with Twins: 1998-2003

His name was definitely in the mix for the Twins two years ago, before they ended up signing Kurt Suzuki. Pierzynski went to Boston and was traded midway through the season to St. Louis. He finished 2014 with a .625 OPS, the lowest of his career, and it looked like the 37-year-old might be cooked. Then, he signed last offseason with Atlanta and went on to start 104 games behind the plate at age 38 while hitting .300/.339/.430. If he decides to continue his career the Twins will surely have strong interest, because he's a lefty-swinging veteran who would take a one-year deal and could complement Suzuki nicely. He enters this offseason as the odds-on favorite to be the Terry Ryan's pick-up at catcher.

How Likely? 60%

Joe Nathan - RP

Years with Twins: 2004-2011

Nathan underwent his second Tommy John surgery in April, and it was a foregone conclusion that Detroit would decline his $10 million option for 2016 (they did so this week). Despite the fact that he turns 41 in a couple weeks, Nathan has vowed to attempt a comeback rather than retiring. On an incentive-laden deal with minimal guarantees, it would make sense for the Twins to give him that chance. He was well liked here, has tons of late-inning experience, and was still hitting the mid-90s on the gun before his elbow injury. Minnesota needs to keep bolstering the bullpen, but they could undoubtedly find more trustworthy options.

How Likely? 30%

Denard Span - OF

Years with Twins: 2008-2012

Span missed a large chunk of this season due to his problematic left hip, which is a concern heading into free agency after requiring surgery in September, but outside of that he's been very good during his time in Washington, hitting .292/.345/.404 with 62 steals and consistently improving plate discipline. At age 31, he might settle for a one-year deal to eliminate the health questions and build up his value. In that case, it's not unthinkable the Twins could get in the mix. Span succeeding Torii Hunter in the outfield would stir some major deja vu, but he'd provide the steady lead-off presence they currently seem to lack.

How Likely? 25%

Justin Morneau - 1B

Years with Twins: 2003-2013

On the surface, there's no fit here. Joe Mauer is locked in at first base and Miguel Sano was a revelation at DH. However, if the Twins were to trade Trevor Plouffe and move Sano to third, a Morneau reunion suddenly becomes very plausible. He has been a very solid hitter during his two years in Colorado, batting .316 with an .850 OPS. Plugging his veteran lefty bat behind Sano in the middle of the lineup could appeal to the Twins, and relegating Morneau to DH would somewhat downplay the concussion issues, which were frighteningly awakened this year when he dove for a ball in the field. No one would blame the former MVP if he were to hang it up, but if he doesn't, and the cards play out right, a return is conceivable.

How Likely? 20%

Craig Breslow - RP

Years with Twins: 2008-2009

Breslow didn't have nearly the tenure here as others on this list, spending parts of two seasons in Minnesota, but he can't be ignored given the very evident need for an impact left-hander in the bullpen. Breslow was excellent for several years after leaving the Twins, but has really struggled over the past couple in Boston. The Twins could take a low-cost flyer but I'm guessing they'll look elsewhere.

How Likely? 15%

Johan Santana - SP

Years with Twins: 2000-2007

Santana signed an incentive-filled deal with Toronto last February but never made it to the mound this year, announcing in June that he was suspending his comeback attempt until 2016. If he were to give it another go, the Twins would be as likely a destination as any, but he hasn't pitched since 2012 and he'll turn 37 in March. I've got to think this is it.

How Likely? 10%

Delmon Young - OF

Years with Twins: 2008-2011

I believe our free agent blurb in the Offseason Handbook said it best:

View our top trade candidates list, up to nearly 70 names and updated regularly!