DocBauer

What else do we have to talk about other than speculation, right? The new TV deal with MLB is lower, fluid, and unknown foe the future, even though a form of streaming...and possible deals with other streaming networks is a possibility...we are left with lower revenue and a current ownership that feels a few millions is not worth sacrificing for the good of the franchise despite a potential windfall in the HOPEFULL future for a change. We COULD be surprised/stunned by the FO making a major deal. I'm just not expecting that. Falvey, to his credit, has always tried to play the long game and never wanted to dismantle the system for major returns. Though he has traded prospects for additions at times. But with a system that ranks in the top 5-ish from most publications and pundits, a limited payroll means Falvey, and the rest of his FO, needs to be creative to make changes/additions to the 2025 club. Enough preamble. My speculation is the Twins will look to trade a collection of prospects for A] a powerful, difference making bat who is young and controlled for 2-3 years. B] a young catcher to pair with Jeffers for the next few years. The problem with my theory is, what team has a young, powerful bat in the OF, or 1B, that is controllable that they are willing to sell for a collection of top prospects? Do the A's, Nationals, Marlins, etc, rebuilding teams have someone they would be willing to move for more options? So I'm kinda stuck on the idea that maybe the target should be a young catcher who can team with Jeffers for the next few years and ease the loss of Vazquez for a low level prospect and some $ to be spent elsewhere. I'm sure there are other options out there, but I'm wondering about Teel from the Red Sox, or Rushing from the Dodgers. Because the Twins and Dodgers have a recent history, and other factors, I'm going to use Rushing as a primary trade idea. Plus, he's potentially a great fit. The Dodgers currently have a good catching duo with more prospects on the way. They also have a great team, and the $ to buy what they want, more or less. But they also have a good MILB system, and do a good job of developing talent to use, and also to trade. Rushing is not a finished backstop yet, but offers promise, and a potentially good bat from the left side. And the Twins MILB catching prospects ALL had down 2024 seasons. The Dodgers have a keen eye for talent. So they may target players I'm not even thinking of in a trade proposal here. And Rushing, a top 100 prospect, won't come cheap. But I'm thinking any pitcher not named Matthews or Morris is on the table. Next comes any OF not named Jenkins or E Rodriguez, which means Rosario, Gonzalez, Mercedes, J Rodriguez, or Beltre. Lee, Keaschall, or recently drafted Culpepper are on the table as well. OR, they could surprise with someone as part of the trade options. Maybe I'm offering up too much with a potential 3 of the Twins top 20. But when it HURTS to give up so much for a top prospect, it starts to feel about right. I'm not so sure a trade with Boston for Teel might not include some of the same names. Assuming the FO makes a trade of this nature, it makes moving Vazquez easier from a roster standpoint, frees up $ for another addition, and sets the Twins catching position up for another 2-3 years. Or am I all wet? Is there a better option to trade 2-3 top prospects for a better alternative position player bat? Is there a rebuilding team out there that might be ready to trade a good young position player for a prospect haul? Tell me if I'm on a right path or if you have a better idea.

Unless the FO makes a major trade of 2-3 top 20 prospects for a young, controllable position player that is on the cheap side financially for a big bat, the hopes to add to the roster will rest on moving a piece or two such as Vazquez and/or Paddack to create a little $ room to add around the edges. Assuming nobody wants to trade away a young, controllable BIG BAT for prospects, we might be looking at smaller additions for the margins. But while the player side of the roster doesn't have any GLARING holes, 1B might be the biggest question mark for 2025. I keep looking at Josh Bell as an inexpensive addition that might make sense for 1B as a replacement for Santana, who some view as a possible re-sign. Most every projection I can find has him available for $5.5-7.5M on a FA deal. CONS: * He's an experienced but average 1B. *He doesn't have the same power he had earlier in his career. *While he closely matches Santana in career quad slash line, he's still slightly behind. PROS: *He's 33yo, not 39. There's far less likelihood of a sudden drop off. *His 2024 numbers jumped once he left Miami for Arizona. *He's also a switch hitter, but unlike Santana, he's got much greater even splits against both sides of the mound. *His production over the past few seasons still suggest around 50 XBH. *Like Santana, he's durable and usually good for 140 games. He doesn't move the needle in the way a MAJOR FA target like Goldschmidt might, or Walker might. But Walker is out of the Twins price range. And even Goldy might be as well, speculations being around $12-14M. But he's a solid bat from both sides of the plate with some power who can slot in the 5-7th slot in the lineup to deepen the lineup and provide decent production. He also allows Miranda to continue to develop as a 1B...while still covering 3B and DH...without pushing him in to the fulltime 1B role to begin 2025. What do you say? Is this a smart, inexpensive move to deepen the lineup and provide 1B help? Or is there a better option that you see?

But Poche and Chaffin are exactly why you SHOULD care about bullpen splits. What we DON'T need is another Okert who does exactly what you mentioned, which is come in for a LH bat and then get stuck facing a RH or two who might destroy him. That very thing happened at least a couple times last year. It's OK if you don't like Chaffin. But I'm targeting one of him or Poche because they shouldn't cost big $ and have really solid career splits. The Twins need ONE LH who can come in to the 7th or 8th to face a LH bat, or two, but still have a reasonable chance of getting that RH out. Thielbar could usually do that before last year. There's little room for a LOOGY any longer in today's game. Heck, I'd be inclined to offer Poche a 2yr deal for $6-7M based on his career so far. I'm really surprised the Rays cut him loose.

We disagree on giving Rodriguez a spot on opening day. I just think he missed so much time last season, unfortunately, that a little time at AAA would do him good to make a couple adjustments, see some decent pitching, and get in a groove. But I fully appreciate your perspective on running with him and let him learn on the job. He might just be so talented he grows in to the job quickly. I sure wouldn't be upset if that's the way they go. What frustrates me, and has for a couple years now, is the idea of marginal, 1 tool players being brought in who end up playing more than wanted/expected and living with poor performance. No more Garlicks or Margots PLEASE. I'm repeating myself, but why grab someone who you just can't count on to do anything but be that 1 tool player who's stretched for anything else? Even IF they promote Rodriguez to the opening day roster, if you can free up some $, why not add a Grichuk or a Laureano as a RH bat who can actually hit RH pitching to augment the roster? And to further repeat myself, why on earth did the Twins wait until late September to FINALLY give Helman and Keirsey their first shot? You have 2 guys who have a combined 3 year OPS above .800 in the upper minors that you refuse to look at as possible role players with pop and speed and defense in deference to Margot? That's just a short-sighted waste of opportunity.

I'm expecting a package of 2 or 3 of the Twins top 20 prospects for one major addition. What I don't know is whether or not that's a BIG BAT with a couple 2 or 3 years of control, OR, a young catching prospect to team with Jeffers and make the move of Vazquez easier. I've been thinking Rushing from the Dodgers since they are set at catcher and have a couple of other young prospects coming up that are well considered. He lacks some polish, but the bat looks pretty legit, it's LH, and we're secure at catcher for the next few years between he and Jeffers. Of course, there are some other young catchers they could also look at. Rushing just makes the most sense to me. Again, a different big bat might be an option as well. I don't see both happing. That's just too much prospect capital going out for the good of the organization, and would be against the grain for Falvey. You don't think Helman and/or Keirsey will remain on the 40 man much longer? I think they're a lock. There's still 3 spots open, the Twins aren't going to be adding more than 2-3-4 players from the outside at this point, and it's very possible either or both of Vazquez and Paddack are moved to create some $ room for additions. Plenty of room to keep Helman and Keirsey as backup OF/INF with some speed and defense and MAYBE some decent hitting if they finally get a chance.

The problem is we don't know if they can be productive or semi productive ML bats because they've never been given a shot yet. And that really frustrates me considering this FO drafted them in 2018 in the 4th and 11th rounds. I understand neither has followed a smooth, linear path to this point. They both got off to good starts in 2018 in SSS. They both had poor 2019 seasons, Keirsey because he was hurt I believe. Neither had a 2020 season of course. In 2021, Helman began figuring it out. Keirsey was bad again, and hurt again. But since 2022, both of them have hit and flashed power/pop and speed and have a combined OPS of over .800 for the past 3 seasons. Those are reasons to at least take a look in case you have something to work with. Instead we get 1 dimension players like Garlick and Margot and others filling a roster spot and invariably being forced to play more than intended. With Helman and Keirsey you have a couple late bloomers on 3 year runs of production that cost nothing but the league minimum if they're good enough to stick and contribute, even for the short term. And maybe they just bottom out. But to keep bringing in short side platoon guys of limited ability instead of giving players you have in the system a chance to do as well, or better, and for less $ is very frustrating to me.

Not picking on Adam directly and his OP, but I get weary of every other roster idea mentioning the Twins need a RH OF who can play CF. Why? Since Buxton is RH and 75% of all pitchers are RH, having a LH CF option is actually a good thing. Because Larnach and Wallner are LH? A backup CF isn't in direct competition with either of them, and does nothing to help with a platoon situation if Buxton is out. OK...sorry...that's been really bugging me. Keirsey and Helman are both solid CF options behind Buxton. Keirsey probably a little better from what I hear and read, and they are different player types, both potentially valuable. Sorry Martin fans, but what I saw last season puts him clearly behind those 2 currently. Rodriguez will be ready at some point in 2025 with good health. Keirsey and Helman should battle it out for the opening day #2 CF option, even though both can play elsewhere/everywhere. As to the OP, hard NO to DeLaCruz. MILD interest in Carlson. But former top 20 prospect or not, did he ever hit RH pitching in the minors? Because he sure hasn't hit RH arms at the ML level, or really hit at all for that matter. I'd be interested in Hays if the Twins end up with enough $ to offer him around $6M, but I don't think they'll be able to. While i haven't done a "you are the GM" as of this time, my eyes are set on Randal Grichuk for $4-5M or Ramon Laureano for around $3-4M. Grichuk can play the corners and has a higher career OPS than Hays against BOTH LH AND RH pitchers. At 33yo...actually coming off a solid season...I don't think he gets the big deal he wants. He might be a perfect fit foe the Twibs and 350 AB. Laureano can help in CF without having to be the primary option there. He's not a slugger, but he's got power and can steal a base here and there. He's also got a career OPS of .727 against RH pitching. (.802 against LH). Both of these guys are every bit as good and probably better than the 3 names mentioned in the OP. And they would/should be in the middle ground $ wise between Hays and the other two. So no thank you. I'm grabbing Grichuk or Laureano, and I might offer Laureano a 2yr deal.

I'm simply not versed enough on many of these measurements to say what is good or bad, or what is accurate vs not accurate. But I'm smart enough to recognize that there are some off juxtapositions involved on the OP where being good is certain categories and then lousy in others in hard to quantify. It may be difficult to break down on a monthly basis, but, what I saw was terrible inconsistency in 2024. Basically, the first 4 weeks and the last 6-7 weeks were bad overall baseball and a losing record. But there was a 3 1/2 month stretch where the Twins had one of the best records in MLB, and were 17 games above. 500 before their nosedive. So I have to wonder if it's possible to compartmentalize 2 very different portions of the season as a means of explaining how some numbers were so good, some so bad, and also an explanation for a lack of "clutch". If the Heckle/Jeckle Twins were broke up in to these 2 very different seasons within a season, would we see vastly different rankings? Would we see a spike in clutch measurements? The inconsistent offense the past 2 years, despite good end of the season rankings, appears to be the reason for a change in the batting coaches. But one can't ignore long stretches of high win totals and not assume the VALUES being discussed weren't much better during that time frame. No question lingering issues to the best and good players and tossing in a rookie SP that wasn't ready, as well as a rookie SP having a solid year but wearing down would have to allow for some of the poor numbers to close the season, and ultimately "doom" final numbers wouldn't they? In short, the team started poorly. All numbers should look bad. Then they were really good and won a ton of games. All numbers should look good, yes? And the a 6-7 week collapse would again skew all measurements back down again, one would assume. There's where the complexity of measurement values create odd conflicts with one another, IMO.

I agree and almost said the same thing in my previous post. Again, the game has slowly evolved in different ways. And I'm not saying Jax COULDN'T make the transition. I'm just looking at what it would TAKE to be successful again in that role. He's by no means an old man! But so many questions about his arm/body having to adapt. His stuff being seen 2 or 3 times, even though it's nasty. And I don't have to go on repeating everything already stated. I agree the changes in the game make it more likely now than in the past to be successful. I simply maintain there are a number of variables that outweigh certainty in my mind.

Three things always frustrated me about Rooker, and I was higher on him than some. 1] He looked good in his SSS debut and then got hurt, which might have helped spoil his prospect momentum. 2] He was always referred to as a good overall athlete with a good arm that could develop in to at least a decent OF. There was also the "fallback" of becoming an adequate 1B. But for whatever reason, the defense never got good anywhere. 3] It did feel like he never got a lot of opportunity past his debut in 2020. But he didn't exactly set the league on fire in 2021 either, when given his next shot, and the Twins did have DH and the corner OF spots pretty much set at the time. He really needed to show improvement that he simply didn't. A couple decades earlier, the Twins got Shane Mack as a rule 5 player who had never lived up to his ability and he had a wonderful stretch as a Twin. Just recently the Twins grabbed Castro as an underperformer who turned his career around. Two different teams...and the league in general...dismissed Rooker until he got a shot with the A's. Sometimes guys just figure it out late, need a wakeup call, or just require a change of scenery to blossom as players. IIRC, Rooker had a great start with Oakland, then tapered off dramatically that first season. I think he rebounded later in the year? No question he had a tremendous 2024. For his sake, I hope he does it again. I just can't fault the Twins for not looking down the road 2 or 3 years to speculate him turning in to a good ballplayer/bat. They made a move at the time that included keeping others instead of him. Sometimes you guess wrong a few years later. BUT, I do think Rooker's blossoming...and Castro for that matter...could/should be a reminder to our FO to look a little more closely at home once in a while at what's on hand. When you do have a someone, or a couple someones, who are blossoming late, don't be too quick to dismiss them as possible helpful additions to your team. But no ill will towards Rooker, and no blasting the FO for not guessing Rooker might turn in to something good 2 or 3 years down the road and missing out. Nobody else saw it happening either. Good for Rooker!

The beautiful game that is MLB sometimes appears stuck in it's ways far too often in certain aspects. But then again, it's also got a natural flow of change that happens over time. Power is up, speed went way down until at least a slight comeback recently, starters are seldom 200IP mainstays any longer, bullpen have become more important and roles are defined differently, etc. But over all the decades I've watched the game, I've seen very few relievers turned in to quality starters. A few teams have tried it recently with mixed results. So I have to wonder if this is a fad, or something that might continue to grow. But a few positive results have me skeptical for sure. I recall many years ago when a solid starter in Aguilera was turned in to a great reliever. The Twins attempted to move him back to the rotation with rather poor results, and I think he became injured at one point as well, but memory does fade. How great is Jax's desire to try to start again? I mean, I think every pitcher from little league to MLB dreams of being a successful SP. But it just isn't for everyone. But for Jax, is he adamant about the move? Or is this just a thought? He wasn't capable as a starter. Period. He moved to the pen, reinvented himself, and became a dominate pen arm. I dare say one of the best in MLB. I know he's not the same pitcher he was in the past. But there is ZERO guarantee he'd be as good as he'd need to be in that role even as a different pitcher now. The velocity will be down as he paces himself. How do other teams react to his stuff seeing it 2 or 3 times in a game? Can his body/arm adapt back to throwing 85-100 pitches in a game? And even if he could, would it last for more than half a season? I think the 3 points Cody brought up in the OP are very real concerns. And I agree with them. It's really hard to take someone who is excellent in his role and then expect him to be anything close to as excellent in a very different role. I'd like to think Jax would recognize all of that, and the possible pitfalls of mediocre/poor performance and even potential injury. I would vote no, and keep him in a role that he excells at, still makes decent $, and will continue to gain in earnings even though it wouldn't be of the kind of money that a top starter can potentially make. Simply from a team perspective, he's more valuable in his current role, IMO, coupled with 3 quality starters and a collection of young arms ready and nearly ready to take over the last 2 spots, and providing depth and future service waiting at AAA. It's my hope all parties will indeed be open and honest and intelligent in all discussions. It's up to them, and not me. But I'd like to see him remain where he's at currently.

Brilliant move! He costs a pitance for the Vikings for the remainder of the season as the Giants are on the hook for his salary. Darnold spent a year on the bench in SF in a good system with a good staff to learn, grow, and shake off his past. Now he's in a great system, with talent around him, and looking a lot like the talented QB he was supposed to be. Assuming he's gone next season, it will be up to him to go to a team that offers talent and a good staff to continue his career trajectory. If Jones is smart about his career, and doesn't just jump at any offer to some miserable team that needs a QB, he'd take a backup offer from the Vikings and follow Darnold's path. Now, Mullens isn't a horrible backup by any means. But Jones is younger, more athletic, and has at least flashed some in his career. But a year with the Vikings might provide him a rebuild to his career where another team might give him a Darnold like opportunity in 2026. He'd be smart to follow that path. The Vikings have zero risk involved here.

Based on finances, and the previous history of the FO to move slowly in the offseason, we're probably not going to have much to talk about in regard to 2025's team...other than small signings...until January at the earliest. Waiting, being patient, has often paid dividends for the FO when they've brought in values like Cruz, Gonzalez, and a few others. IIRC, most trades have come in January or later. As have some quality signings. And personally, I believe the changing marketplace that is MLB at this time might have more than a few FA sitting at home in early February looking for a job on bargain deals. Hopefully that will allow a value signing or two to augment the fringe areas of the roster. But we all know the financial story of the 2025 Twins, which is to say there is no $ room available to sign anyone until $ is freed up somehow. And barring some MAJOR surprise, we know that means trades involving Vazquez, Paddack, and possibly Castro. (Personally, I really hope it's not Castro). While there are reasons to be patient, especially considering what might be a deflated market this year, there is one very serious need for the 2025 Twins makeup that I believe should be addressed aggressively, and that's a LH for the pen. I am not here to debate with anyone who doesn't see the depth of talent...or lack of depending on your perspective/opinion...for the Twins to have a good pen next season. But I believe we can all see and agree on the need for ONE quality LH to make the pen really work. We had 3 really good years of Thielbar being that LH option who could be viable against RH batters. But he's gone now. IMO, there's a pair of LHRP available on the market today. I think this is the one time where they should strike first, and figure things out later. Andrew Chafin is well known to the Twins. Even at 34yo in 2024, he turned in a great season. He has almost exact splits for his career and had been highly productive with solid K numbers. He earned a little below $5M in 2024. But would he sign for a 2yr $8M type of deal? Would the Twins want to wait for him to slip through the cracks for a 1yr deal? Based on career numbers and a good 2024, I'd bet on him for 2yrs and get the deal done. Colin Poche was brought up recently in an OP after being non tendered by the Rays despite his arbitration numbers being about $3.4M. His career OPS against LH batters is surprisingly higher than RH batters due to SLG %, but AVG and OB% are better against LH hitters. That would seem to indicate a few more mistakes against same side hitters. But generally speaking, he's effective to both sides for his career. Is the 30yo as good or better option than Chafin? Is this a time where the FO should make an important early move and figure it out later? Should they be patient and see if one of these arms or someone else falls in to their lap later on? Am I missing a target you think is better?

Look, I'm NOT placing this not yet 20yo kid on a path to the HOF, but when I read scouting reports and prospect rankings, etc, I keep getting flashes of being a somewhat slower Trout who hits more Dbls but fewer HR, or a Mauer who might have a lower AVG but more power? It stinks he was hurt early last season. It's good it was a pulled hamstring and not a knee, or shoulder type of injury that required repair. With his size and ability, the HR power will come naturally. And the Twins don't have to, and won't, mess with his natural swing much at all. They don't have to. Again, the natural power is there, and I'd bet the most they do is "tweak" a couple things, which is common practice for all prospects. As talented as he is, I'd speculate he's ready for AAA come first of June or July. And for a 20yo, that's NOT a conservative estimate at all! Now, whether he debuts late in the season for a cup of coffee is debatable, and not worth worrying about IMO. But it's possible. Looking down the road to 2016...trades could happen of course...but an OF of Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Rodriguez, and Jenkins is not a dream, but a real possibility. Not sure exactly who plays where, but one or both of Rodriguez and Jenkins can spell Buxton in CF on days off, or IL stints. I rather like Wallner as the promenade RF with his arm, though Rodriguez and Jenkins have the defense and arm to play there as well. But with LF larger at Target Field, I like Rodriguez/Jenkins in LF over Wallner as they probably move a little better and can cover a little more ground. Larnach and everyone else can also DH for half days off. Hard to believe all 5 will be healthy at the same time all season long. But that's where potential trade possibilities occur. However, do either Larnach or Wallner have the ability to convert to 1B at that time? I'm not saying GG ability, but just the ability to be solid there. It would be a shame to put Wallner's arm at 1B, but he's a good athlete and big bat. Why couldn't he play 1B, potentially, and still be able to play some 1B? Larnach isn't quite the athlete Wallner is, but he's not a stiff either. Could he be a potential 1B candidate? IF one of them has the ability to handle scoops and any kind of instincts, baseball intelligence to grasp the subtleties of the position, you suddenly have the best of all worlds with 4 prime OF talents, a productive/dangerous 1B who can still help cover an OF corner, and great DH coverage. Am I getting ahead of myself here? Maybe. But if Jenkins is ready in 2026, we're only talking a single season away from this possibility. And all 5 players are cost controlled. I think it's at least worth a moment of exciting reflection. The #1 priority is Rodriguez and Jenkins just being healthy for the upcoming season. Whether Rodriguez jumps straight to the Twins, or comes up later, the issue is him being healthy and taking advantage of his opportunity at the ML level in 2025 WHENEVER it comes. Good health and continued development for Jenkins should have him ready for 2026, IMO. Though I certainly won't be disappointed if he debuts late in 2025.

Sorry, appreciate the notion of another "Pineda" opportunity, but I don't see a fit here at all. Forgetting for the moment the Twins dont have any extra $ to make this move, Sandoval is basically the same age as Lopez, Ober, and Ryan. He has a higher career ERA than all 3, had a higher BB rate than all 3, and a lower K rate than all 3, has never thrown over 150 innings, (close once), and his FB gets hit hard? But he's a mid rotation, playoff caliber starter that could allow the Twins to MAYBE trade 1 of those 3 next offseason and take their place? And he'd probably cost around $8-10M in 2026? Wouldn't that be about the same salary as Ober or Ryan would earn in 2026? Other than being LH and...so far...a worse pitcher than our current big 3, what exactly gets accomplished here?

The Twins top 3 are pretty damn good. Period. SWR just needs to prove he can be as good as he was in 2024. He actually got better, and more confident as the season went along. You could see the growing confidence on the mound. He did grow tired late in the season, surpassing career IP totals. He's still quite young. I've read multiple times about STUFF PLUS, and how good his pitches rate. If that's really accurate, then he needs to put guys away a little sooner to take the next step. But if he only threw as good this season as last, he's a solid arm in the rotation. But he's definitely got room to take another step forward. Festa was really impressive, for the most part, as a rookie making his debut as well. His BB weren't awful at 3.2 per 9, and his K rate of 10.8 was impressive. A couple early appearances inflated his ERA, but I believe his ERA was right around 4 after his first 4 or 5 appearances. Nothing wrong with that for a rookie at all. He's not a finished product by any means, but the stuff is there. If the curve he's dusting off/working on can be even decent, he gives batters something else to look at and think about. No offense to SWR, but I can see Festa as the #4 guy in the rotation by mid season. This has the makings of a good to very good rotation! Matthews was pressed in to ML action early. He still showed promise. And his rise last season was pretty remarkable. Hopefully, everyone is healthy and he sits at AAA for a couple months before being needed. Morris is just behind Matthews in the pecking order, and might be just as good. He also could use a little more AAA time. While not on the 40 man, which Raya is, I wouldn't be shocked if Lewis and Culpepper weren't more ready to debut over the younger Raya, despite his potential. They're simply older, and have thrown more innings. I don't dislike Paddack at all. Further removed from TJ, and more time to stretch out and get a feel for his change, I'd be fine keeping him. If he's 100%, he's got some upside to be a solid back of the rotation arm. But it's that upside for someone else, young arms on hand, and the need to find some financial breathing room that makes me believe he's moved elsewhere. It's been a very long time since the Twins have been able to march the kind of talent to the mound to start games that's they've had the past few seasons, including 2025. And I can't recall a time in recent memory when they had this many good looking young arms arriving, or getting ready to knock on the door.

I guess I'm just of the more patient mode of thinking. I'd be more inclined to jump Rodriguez straight to the Twins if he hadn't missed so much time last season. I don't deny his talent or potential. And I don't deny a great eye, defense, speed, and power. He's very exciting. But I don't think a little bit of patience is a bad thing. Does he K more than you'd like? Yes. Is that necessarily a strong negative to deflate his potential? Absolutely not. Plenty of higher K than you'd like hitters are still able to produce solid AVG to go along with power and production. The best have a good BB rate to offset higher K numbers. Higher K hitters are sometimes very patient. They work the pitcher/count looking for a pitch, refuse to swing at everything, but sometimes end up in 2 strike counts, which can lead to a BB, a hitter, or a K. More or less, the 3 outcome approach. I think that's largely Rodriguez. Again, that's not a bad thing. I'm not saying I'm right, but from all I've heard and read, I do wonder if he's TOO patient at times. And that's a small concern I have, along with the ability to adjust and simply make better contact with offspeed stuff. Again, I'm not denigrate him, or his potential. He's immensely talented! And I can easily see him struggle somewhat at first, as most rookies do. And I'm not opposed to promoting kids aggressively. And the FO isn't opposed to promoting aggressively either. I just think some time at AAA to work on a few things, play daily, see some better pitchers, get in a rhythm after missing so much time in 2024 would do him some good. I have no doubt his performance, talent, and opportunity will see him with the Twins in 2025. And we may see a lot of him. But we're also talking about a 22yo who played a little less than half a season last year. If the Twins run with him opening day, I'll watch intently, hope for the best, and hope he's up to stay for good. I'm just expecting some AAA time to be more prepared for his debut.

Not sure why Washington would want to move on from him if he has potential. Based on his MILB numbers and age, there's some reason to believe he may improve as a hitter, and provide a little speed and pop. He does have some upside. So again, if they are rebuilding, why would they want to move on from him? And I have to say it again, if the Twins can keep Castro, they already have a better option in place. At least for 1 more season. And while someone like Helman was mentioned, I don't know if there's any more reason to believe he'd do any worse with the bat at this point, and he's even more flexible defensively. I just don't see a match here, or need. If Castro is back, then discussing a replacement for Farmer, the Twins SECOND utility player, just doesn't seem to be a priority.

Topa and Varland still have options. I don't like the idea of keeping someone on the roster merely because they are out of options so we'll just keep them and hope for the best. However, think about Ober a couple years ago when he absolutely didn't belong in AAA to begin the season. But he was only there for about 3 weeks before the roster changed and he's been up ever since. The early season injuries to the pen in 2024 clearly show you just can't predict how many arms you're even going to have to begin the season. And right after the season began, the Twins lost Duarte, he earned a job coming out of ST. So yes, having depth and a couple guys with options who MIGHT begin the year at AAA isn't really a punishment, it's just playing with the initial roster to see what you have, and keep as much depth as you can for as long as you can. I am intriged somewhat by Colin Poche as an option. I don't know if he's the right choice to target as he actually has reverse splits and is more effective against RH bats. But his numbers aren't bad against LH hitters. And he's probably affordable, as well as experienced. Granted the Rays do an excellent job with their pitchers, but maybe the Twins have an idea how to get him a little better against LH hitters? Still, I'd rather have a version of him that's better against same side batters and still solid against RH. I'm just uncertain who the best target should be. But no question if they can find the "new" Thielbar...when he was really good the previous 3 years...changes the complexion of the pen.

As on OVERALL I think the FO has done a pretty good job in most of their trades. That doesn't mean the Orioles trade for Lopez and the Reds trade for Mahle didn't turn out to be clunkers. The Margot trade and the Mariners trade this past offseason are basically nothing about nothing at this point, unless Doncon or Gonzalez turn in to something, or become traded in another deal. But again, if Topa has a good season, then the Twins do get SOMETHING from the Mariners trade in the immediate. I maintain it's difficult, if no ingenious, to look at a young prospect traded for immediate help, who might turn out to be years later, and say the trade was poor in any way. For example, if Petty has a good career with the Reds, it doesn't erase 2 very good seasons of Gray. The Gray trade was good. So was the Odorizzi move. Ditto Cruz for Ryan. Lopez for Arraez was good. I still like the Maeda acquisition, even though injury spoiled a full season of potential value. And there have been others such as Taylor, smaller, maybe only for a year's worth of help, but solid trades. I maintain an approach of "did we get better and accomplish what we set out to do". Generally speaking, I think the FO has has the scale tipped in their favor, despite some poor decisions. Payroll won't allow much for trades this offseason, barring opening up some financial room somewhere. I do think it's possible youth may be traded for youth in the form of a young catcher, possibly a young 1B. That makes sense on paper in regard to the roster and the payroll. Were they able to acquire a young catcher in such a move, it makes moving Vazquez easier. Followed possibly/probably moving Paddack. Then they'd have some $ to play with and maybe grab a 1B and LHRP to "finish" the roster.

I think I like him better at 1B than LF. The main reason being Wallner, Buxton, Jenkins, and Rodriguez may just push him back to the INF anyway. The reason I say 1B is because I'm assuming Lee and Lewis in some combination of 3B and 2B. A former SS in college before his senior year transfer to AZ State, I think he's a potentially fine 2B. But is there room there? And I don't have a problem with a good athlete being at 1B. That's like saying a guy playing LF is a waste because he'd be such a good CF but behind someone. You never go wrong having a great athlete on the field, no matter the position. And being a good athlete at 1B might just allow for an even better than average defender. I think his ETA is second half of 2025 if he's 100% The bat and the eye look real. Regardless of position, future Twins leadoff hitter?

Right or wrong, the HOF has two very glaring weaknesses. #1] CATCHERS. For whatever crazy reason, the catcher position has been grossly absent from the Hall. I've heard excuses about offensive numbers holding back selections. But I've also heard arguements in the past about "old time" voters ignoring more modern day statistics and evaluations. But you'd think the "old timers" would have been more inclusive of appreciating the catcher position. I hope this changes going forward. 2] IF modern day baseball is going to accept relief pitchers as viable Hall candidates, then they need to start doing comparisons and evaluations on merit. Whether you agree RP should be included or not is not the point. They either need to be recognized or not. The game has changed over the decades. And dominate relievers have become part of the game, and the mythos of the game. Numbers over the past 30 years would say Nathan was more than dominate to be at least seriously considered. Santana is absolutely part of the "Koufax" syndrome. And I don't mean that as a negative. It's a measure of a player/pitcher who was absolutely amongst the best of their generation for a 7-10 year period vs someone who played/pitched for 14+ years. Koufax is a prime example. Puckett is a player example. Sometimes a player/pitcher is just really good for many, many years. On the pitching side...since that's what we're discussing here...you have Sutton, Blyleven, or Morris. All 3 of them are worthy of their inductions to the Hall, IMO, based on career achievements, numbers, longevity, and periods of dominance. When considering HOF worthiness, I've always asked myself, "was this guy truly dominate over many years". In regards to Santana, his numbers, 2 CyYoung awards...screwed out of a 3rd...and total dominance for a relatively long period of time? I vote YES. In regards to Nathan? He was probably just as good for the same amount of time, despite getting a late start. But his possible induction comes down to how voters value dominate relievers vs starting pitchers. I think he's "right there" with those who have gotten in, and those who might still. But it's certainly harder to quantify his relevance based on history. Perhaps he's a future veterans addition as time goes on?

First of all, every-single-team signs guys non tendered every single year...often to MILB deals...for depth and opportunity to uncover something. As @stringer bellpointed out, that's how the Twins got Castro. There's a couple guys listed here that I'd at least consider. Austin Hays had a poor 2024 but a solid 2020-23 run with decent production. He's also got CF experience, though i don't know how good he is there. Competition with Helman for a RH OF spot of the bench? I can see Josh Rojas as a classic utility player if Castro were gone. (I hope to hell that doesn't happen!) I love good defense, but not much time at SS, limited bat, limited power, and only a single season where he really stole a lot of bases. Very Luke warm on him. Dylan Carlson is interesting as he's only 26yo and might have some upside still. He's very good defensively. But he's got a weak bat, not even a great bat as a MILB player, limited power and doesn't steal bases. But as a switch hitter he hits LHP pretty well. On a MILB deal I'd jump in, but that's all. Ramon Laureano I'm not familiar with. But looking at Baseball Reference, the 30yo has 13.9 WAR for his career and plenty of CF experience. He's got a mediocre batting line, a little power, and a little speed. A potential 4th or 5th OF on a MILB deal? I'd be somewhat interested in Patrick Sandoval on a cheap make good deal. But only on a MILB deal with incentives. He's been a mediocre SP with high BB numbers and limited K's per 9. But only 28yo, might he be ready for a switch to the pen when healthy? Would his stuff play up there? I find him somewhat interesting. I understand this is an OP to consider what's out there following initial cuts from rosters. This is not about adding difference makers at all, just guys who might fill a role at some point. But AAA depth is important, and once in a while, you find a steal. I'd take a look at Hays and Carlson as possibilities for potential depth and help in the OF at some point. Rojas is a bit interesting for the same as a utility player in St Paul. But of the others mentioned, I don't see a fit. MAYBE Laureano as an experienced option.

While appreciate all of the hard work that went in to this...and I understand the methodology that went in to it...I tend to agree with @bean5302 that WAR by itself doesn't provide a conclusion for me on these. I look more at what, if anything, it accomplished for the Twins. Prime example: Graterol has helped the Dodgers, not as much initially but more recently, and Maeda was either really good or really bad when with the Twins due to injury. But he provided one wonderful, Cy Young votes season. And he was actually quite good in 2023 after some early struggles to help the Twins reach the playoffs. The Pagan/Rogers trade remains a weird, crazy, hard to quantify deal. Rogers was great initially, then fell apart. Pagan was horrendous his first year, but was actually very solid and got a few big outs his second season in 2023 to also help the Twins win the ALC and reach the playoffs. And while I absolutely loved having Arraez as a Twin, I would make the move of him for Pablo twice tomorrow. The whole Polanco to Seattle trade turned out to be pretty much a joke for both sides. Nobody won anything. But there's still the possibility of Gonzalez turning out to be a solid ML player, or, part of a future trade. But if Topa's knee is OK for 2025 and he can throw 60-ish innings of solid relief this season and approximate the pitcher he was for Seattle in 2023, then the Twins "win" this miserable trade a year late with said solid performance. While it involves a lot of twists and turns, ultimately, the Donaldson trade did allow the Twins to sign Correa. That also had a hand in re-signing him, though i wouldn't have minded being able to keep Urshela for another season. IIRC, Wade didn't have a particularly good 2019 season at AAA. In SSS he was OK with the Twins in 2019-20 but didn't set the world on fire. Again, SSS to be considered. Cave seemed more "established" and was considered a better option in CF. At the time, keeping Cave seemed to make more sense. I would have rather kept both, and in hindsight Wade would have been the better choice for sure. But hindsight is always 20/20. A lot of these moves never moved the needle much, but a few did. That's why I say just WAR by itself doesn't paint an accurate picture. Not saying the FO made really great moves here at all. Or all the time. I just think the context of value/return is vastly different than that one measurement.

He was fun to watch play. He always seemed to embody energy when he was on the field and in the lineup. Two really solid seasons with the Twins, and a third not so great. But nothing but fond memories. It would be nice to find a clone of his out there for a bench spot on the 2025 roster. Of course, a few of us hold out hope Helman might possibly be that guy. I applaud Lew for not giving upnon his Baseball dream!