Kepler can play 1B. Granite in RF not perfect but would work short term. Would need a spare OF not named Grossman. Danny Valencia hits LHP really well and could fill a few positions in an emg. Good option for DH/1B against LHP and probably cheap.
If games are so long fans are fleeing the sport what would be the ideal length of game that brings them all back? 2 1/2 hrs like a BB or Hockey game? How can you cut half an hour off a game? Shorten the game to 7 innings would be the easiest without a bunch of rule changes. All the other stuff just nibbles around a couple minutes here or there. Cut commercial time? Sure the owners and players will love making less money so what will happen ticket prices and beer goes up.
Can't they DFA him? Nobody would take his contract if he went on waivers and he'd need to report to Roch to collect his money wouldn't he? At least he'd get innings and could prove he's worth something or not.
Don't forget the Twins are getting a $50 mill check from MLB this spring, so they should be able to bump up the payroll this year with how low it starts going into next year.
The Hughes contract sure stinks without that it would be a lot easier to sign a top pitcher. Not much next year, money to sign Harper!!! funny thought.
Bet the Yankees would take him for 3B but probably wouldn't give up much. I'm sure his trade value is down a lot right now. If he stays, which is likely, he has some serious image rehab to do this spring.
I hope he retires. As you point out 36+ yr olds are few and even fewer are the ones that produce. He doesn't need the money and the Twins have guys that can take the spot.
I'm fairly sure it wasn't him but his agents. Nice way to get a book on nearly all the teams for future neg. He likely has always had a small list of teams he'd go to but his agents are milking this for all it's worth, imo.