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As Derek Falvey likes to remind us, the start of spring training does not mark an end point for the offseason. There's no window that expires in mid-February, and team-building efforts can extend all the way up to Opening Day. As major-league camps fire up across the league, with numerous free agents still unsigned and roster holes unfilled, there's no denying the validity of his point.
Will one of those free agents end up in Minnesota? Could a late-breaking trade still be in the works? Let's catch up on the current state of affairs and then size up the remaining market.
Building Up Bullpen Bulk
Since last we checked in for a status update, the Twins have added two more relievers to their major-league bullpen mix: right-hander Jay Jackson and left-hander Steven Okert. The Twins signed Jackson to a one-year deal with a club option, while Okert was acquired via trade from the Marlins in exchange for Nick Gordon.
The 36-year-old Jackson has followed a fascinating path, with stops in several different MLB organizations as well as Japan. Officially signed on the same day as Carlos Santana, Jackson adds another seasoned veteran to a clubhouse that's been stocking up on them. Okert, 32, also boosts the Twins' experience quotient in the bullpen. He's been a standout lefty reliever for the Marlins over the past three seasons.
As things stand, the Twins have done very little to offset their losses in the rotation, with Anthony DeSclafani the sole addition to Minnesota's starting pitching mix. We'll see if that changes, because indeed the offseason is not over, but it's looking like the Twins may rely more on bulk innings from their deep bullpen this year to protect their starters and keep workloads in check, as opposed to replacing Sonny Gray with another horse at the front of the rotation.
Still Searching for a Right-Handed Outfield Bat
Falvey and the Twins have not been shy in asserting that they continue to pursue at least on more roster addition, hinting that another right-handed outfielder is in their sights. There are still a few options remaining on the free agent market, including a reunion with Michael A. Taylor, who remains unsigned coming off a solid season in Minnesota.
Adam Duvall and Tommy Pham are other names out there, and beyond them, some lesser alternatives like Kiké Hernandez and Adam Engel who might be available on minors deals. Slim pickings unless the Twins can swing a trade, as they did last year to get Taylor.
There's growing optimism that Byron Buxton will be a factor in center field this year, and Rocco Baldelli shared his intent to get Buxton out there early in Grapefruit League action, but I still find it hard to believe the Twins feel great about their depth behind him, knowing his history. Meanwhile, they currently lack even a token Kyle Garlick-level RH option to supplement their lefty-swinging depth.
Something else has got to be coming, even if not an earth-shattering pickup. How much longer can they wait?
Free Agency: The Boras Five
The five biggest remaining names on the free agent board – Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez – are all Scott Boras clients. It's not the first time we've seen Boras hold strong with big-name players, even if it means negotiating into the spring. In fact, we saw a very similar scenario result in Carlos Correa's first contract with the Twins.
On the surface, there are a number of reasons to think one of these impact players could wind up in Minnesota. There's the aforementioned team/agent history, the club's newly-secured TV revenue, and the fact that you don't have to squint hard to see a fit for any of the five, save Chapman.
This is the kind of spot where Falvey's front office likes to strike with an unexpected big move that shakes up the roster and outlook. Some type of creative short-term deal would make sense given the elements involved. But, I must say, I'm sure not getting the vibe that Minnesota's decision-makers feel they have much of any financial flexibility to work with. There's been enough of a hold-up merely getting something across the finish line with one of these middling RH outfielders.
I'd like to believe a stunner signing or significant trade is still in store, to give this sleepy offseason a late jolt of life. But my faith is waning...
Roster and Payroll Projection: Feb 17th
Little has changed over the past few weeks. Jackson and Okert joining the roster, with big-league deals and no minor-league options, puts them at the front of the line for bullpen spots. That leaves a handful – Josh Staumont, Jorge Alcalá, Kody Funderburk – and others vying for the final job. Right now I've got Staumont as the favorite, but it could well be that the Twins end up going with a length arm who can cover more innings.
Does this roster look complete to you? I say no. At the very least I'd expect another outfielder to come aboard and nudge Trevor Larnach from his bench spot. But with spring training games getting started in one week, it's the group that Baldelli and the Twins are currently ready to bring to battle.
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