Make best offer possible to Jeffers right now. Jeffers is a high quality catcher and while we can be optimistic about our catcher prospects, realistically they are a couple years out. I realize there is no chance the Twins will sign Jeffers, but this would be the strongest commitment they could show to the team and fans that they are committed to 2027, 2028.
Now for reality under the Pohlads, Jeffers is gone after this year. Trade him now get something, hopefully a useful player for 2027/28.
Aim to be incrementally better in 2027. It is a fine line between where the Twins are now and being above the playoff line. Hard to fathom how much more enthusiasm there would be if the team was three games over .500 rather where they are at three under.
So aiming to be slightly better in 2027, rather not dump Ryan as hard to lose him and improve much (Lopez back - maybe a wash but question marks there). However, remain open to a sweet deal for Ryan but should be an important piece for 27/28.
Larnarch, Wallner, Bell, Clemens, - maybe just about anybody but particularly those who are blocking the future stars - not just available to move but go get something for the future even if lottery tickets. Again, want to put pieces in place to be better in 2027, so maybe high upside relief prospects, third base, first base, never say no to a legit good starting pitcher prospect.
Make 2027 about being incrementally better and opening door for the next wave of stars (fingers crossed). Signing Jeffers would say 2027 is fully in play. Losing Jeffers suggests 2027 will be like 2026 and hoping the team can be a couple games better.