John Bonnes

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful post.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me a half dozen teams, shame on me. How many times now since 2019 have we watched premier starting pitcher free agents sign for reasonable contracts like this one? In 2019 the narrative was just that they couldn't convince them to take their money. Are we going to hear that again with Gausman and Ray? They just couldn't stomach the opt-out, like they hesitated on Buxton's no-trade? Perhaps we just need to accept that this front office doesn't believe in paying for pitching, no matter what they might say about pursuing high-end talent.

Two of the top four free agent starting pitchers are now spoken for, but early this morning, the Twins were linked to the biggest remaining prize, AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray. Not surprisingly, they are not alone. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman also listed the Tigers, San Francisco Giants, Rangers and Angels as suitors for Ray’s services, and previously the Red Sox and Blue Jays had been mentioned. However, it’s worth noting that several of these teams have already signed free agent pitchers this offseason, perhaps limiting their interest. For instance, the Blue Jays reportedly now have an agreement with another of the other four premier pitchers on this list, Kevin Gausman. On the other hand, who wouldn’t want to add Ray? Last year he posted a 2.84 ERA over 193.1 innings, striking out 11.5 per nine innings. Most importantly, the 30-year-old’s career struggles with his control completely disappeared: he walked only 2.4 batters per nine innings, after averaging 5.1 per nine from 2018-2020. If the Twins want to play, they’ll need to pay. MLBTradeRumors predicted Ray would receive a $130M contract, 5-year deal on the open market. Given some of the other contracts we’re seeing, that estimate may be a little high, but any deal would certainly exceed $100M. What’s more, they’ll also likely need to move fast. The two premier pitchers who are at least very close to greements - Gausman and Max Scherzer - have done so in in the last 24 hours as teams and players scramble to get something done before MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Wednesday. It is widely anticipate that event will lead to a work stoppage, effectively killing the offseason market for both sides. That urgency is further heightened by concerns that normally mundane details, like getting physicals done, will need to be completed by then for contracts to be valid. The Twins entered the offseason with at least three spots in their starting rotation to fill, and as of yet have not signed any free agents. They did, however, reach an agreement yesterday with star center fielder Byron Buxton on a 7-year extension. But starting pitching remains the team’s biggest need, and the available arms are dwindling fast. Even beyond the top four arms, other highly attractive targets like Noah Syndegaard, Justin Verlander, Eduardo Rodriguez, Anthony Desclafini and many others have signed within the last two weeks. View full article

Earlier, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Minnesota Twins were "closing in on" agreement on a contract extension with Byron Buxton. Now, Jeff Passan is reporting that an agreement is in place for over $100M and will keep Buxton under team control through the 2028 season. Buxton represents one of the biggest pivot points of the Twins’ offseason and perhaps several seasons into the future. When healthy, he’s performed at an MVP level, most recently posting a 1005 OPS in 235 AB in 2021. However, his career with the Twins has been uneven, and not just because of the usual hype around a #1 overall prospect. Since Buxton first joined the team in 2015, he’s only had one year with 500 plate appearances, and indeed only one with over 331. His injuries have ranged from seemingly self-inflicted problems due to his aggressive defense in center field, to worrisome nagging injuries like hip strains and foot injuries, to flukey injuries like a broken finger from being hit by a pitch. On the other hand, he’s been absolutely elite defensively throughout his time with the Twins, and recently his offense has reached a similar level. This year he hit .306 with 19 home runs in just 61 games, a pace that makes him a 50-home run threat over a full season. He’s also only 27 years old, entering the peak period of many players' careers. He is due to be a free agent next offseason, compelling the Twins to either sign him to an extension or trade him this offseason, lest they risk having him leave next year for nothing more than a compensatory draft pick. That urgency is further heightened by the threat of an impending work stoppage starting as soon as Wednesday night. If an extension or trade iss not made by then, there is a chance any such move would be delayed until some unknown point in a potentially compressed offseason, or thwarted altogether. A deal would likely represent the biggest deal the Twins have made since they signed Joe Mauer to a contract extension in 2010 for $184 million dollars. That deal was also for a rare talent who contributed defensively, was at the peak of his ability, and on the verge of free agency. The deal with Mauer aged poorly, as leg problems and concussions limited his ability to stay at catcher and stay in the lineup. With Buxton having more health questions, the reality is it makes him more affordable; it’s unlikely the Twins could complete a deal without the built-in discount his health history affords them. The Mauer deal also took place as the Twins were completing a run of division-winning seasons and trying to lengthen their competitive window. Twins’ management’s next to-do for this offseason is to find some starting pitchers whom Buxton’s Gold Glove can assist with his range in center field. While the size of Buxton’s deal is likely significant, the Twins entered the offseason with as much as $50M or so to spend on free agents. A deal with Buxton is likely to maintain that capability. Indeed, Ken Rosenthal has just published contract details: The extension guarantees $15M per year (except this year, when he still would've been under arbitration) plus very large bonuses for MVP bonuses and a series of $500K bonuses if he stays healthy for over 500 plate appearances. It is a very creative contract. I can't think of any that has had a bonus structure remotely similar to it. The deal essentially rewards Buxton extra money for staying healthy for a full season, handsomely for MVP-caliber production, but still guarantees him base salary commensurate to a top center fielder. If the Twins had traded Buxton instead, it would be hard for them to pretend that they could expect to be competitive in 2022. They would have lost their best offensive and defensive player, while also trying to replace 60% of their starting rotation. Retaining Buxton keeps the option of competing in 2022 alive. It should also make him one of the core pieces of the next competitive Twins team. Further pieces will still need to be assembled, but the deal represents a serious effort by the Twins to compete by locking up high-end home-grown talent for a long time. We'll add details as they emerge. In the meantime, give us your initial thoughts below. View full article

Aaron and John discuss the growing urgency of Byron Buxton's situation, the dwindling free agent starting pitching market, the likelihood of the Twins signing a top shortstop, and pending arbitration decisions. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. View full article

Aaron and John discuss Jose Berrios' new contract, Byron Buxton's contract negotiations, the Twins' 40-man roster moves, and share audio of their discussion with Patrick Reusse about Billy Martin's most notorious dust-ups. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins' shortstop options, including a star-studded free agent class and possible trade targets, plus the first front-line free agent pitcher goes off the board to a division rival. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. View full article

Tickets for Twins Daily’s Diamond Awards Watch Party Fundraiser go on sale at 8:00 AM and can be bought HERE or by visiting TwinsDailyEvents.com. Don’t wait! There are only 60 tickets available! At $24.99, they’ll go fast. The ticket includes: Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin will be signing autographs from 5-5:30. Conklin has had a breakthrough season for the Vikes in almost every category, and you can meet him and get your favorite Vikings gear signed. From 6-7 PM, we’ll all watch the Diamond Awards on Bally Sports North. Nobody can attend the actual event this year because it is video-only, but you’ll get to watch it with fellow Twins fans the way you should experience it. Plus, if you also register here, you’ll get all the information about the festivities, including the vast array of silent auction items they’ll have available. But of course, you’ll be with us, so you’ll have even more opportunities to pick up some great stuff because Elite Ink will be there with exclusive silent auction items ONLY available to those in attendance. Then, from 7-8 PM, we’ll have Twins’ beat writers Phil Miller (Star-Tribune), Betsy Helfand (Pioneer Press) & Do-Hyoung Park (MLB.com) participate in a Q&A panel with ticketholders. Nick Nelson, editor-in-chief of Twins Daily’s Offseason Handbook will also join the Q&A panel, which John Bonnes will host. Plus, you’ll snack on light apps and have a chance to purchase Gray Duck’s Bomba Juice cocktails, just like at Target Field. Best of all, the full price of the tickets will go to the U of M to fight neurological and muscular disorder diseases like ataxia, MS, and ALS. The event we’ve talked about all week long will take place on Friday 11/19 from 5-8 PM at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka. We’ll see you there! View full article

Our Diamond Awards Watch Party Fundraiser is doubling as a Hot Stove Season Kickoff Party, and we’re bringing in the heavy hitters. After watching the Diamond Awards, we’ll have Twins’ beat writers Phil Miller (Star-Tribune), Betsy Helfand (Pioneer Press) & Do-Hyoung Park (MLB.com) participate in a Q&A panel with ticketholders. Nick Nelson, editor-in-chief of Twins Daily’s Offseason Handbook, will join the Q&A panel, which John Bonnes will host. The event we’ve talked about all week will take place on Friday 11/19 from 5-8 PM at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, 11/12) at 8:00 AM at TwinsDailyEvents.com, and we only have room for 60 people. They’ll sell for just $24.99 apiece, and all of it will go to the U of M to fight neurological and muscular disorder diseases like ataxia, MS, and ALS. The ticket includes WAY too much for one night: · Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin will be signing autographs from 5-5:30. Conklin has had a breakthrough season for the Vikes in almost every category, and you can meet him and get your favorite Vikings gear signed. · From 6-7 PM, we’ll all watch the Diamond Awards on Bally Sports North. Nobody can attend the actual event this year because it is video-only, but you’ll get to watch it with fellow Twins fans the way you should experience it. Plus, if you also register here, you’ll get all the information about the festivities, including the vast array of silent auction items they’ll have available. · But of course, you’ll be with us, so you’ll have even more opportunities to pick up some great stuff because Elite Ink will be there with exclusive silent auction items ONLY available to those in attendance. · Then, from 7-8 PM, we’ll be joined by Phil, Betsy, and Do as they break down what went wrong and what to expect from the Twins this offseason. · Plus, you’ll snack on light apps and have a chance to purchase Gray Duck’s Bomba Juice cocktails, just like at Target Field. That’s a pretty packed night, so you’ll want to be there at 5, you’ll likely want to think about getting a ride home after 8, and you definitely want to get here early tomorrow (Friday) for tickets. We’ll see you back here at 8 AM. View full article

Monday, we told you about the great fundraiser we’re throwing. Yesterday Gray Duck Spirits added Bomba Juice. Today, we’re pleased to announce the Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin will join us and sign autographs! Plus, Elite Ink will be providing incredible sports memorabilia for a silent auction EXCLUSIVELY available to ticket holders. And there won’t be many ticket holders, because there are only 60 tickets! We’ll be releasing the tickets at 8 AM this Friday (11/11) morning at TwinsDailyEvents.com. The event will be at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday 11/19. Tickets already include all of the following: Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin will be signing autographs from 5-5:30. This year, the fifth-round pick from 2018 has become a key contributor to the Vikings offense, already setting career highs for receptions (32), yards (342), and … well, pretty much everything else. You can meet him and get your favorite Vikings gear signed. From 6-7 PM, we’ll all watch the Diamond Awards on Bally Sports North. The event is video-only this year, but if you register here, you’ll get all the information about the festivities, including the vast array of silent auction items they’ll have available. But of course, you’ll be with us, so you’ll have even more opportunities to pounce on some great stuff because Elite Ink will be there with silent auction items ONLY available to those in attendance. While the rest of Twins Territory is bidding up the great stuff online, you’ll be up close and personal with - I gotta say it - elite items. Then, from 7-8 PM, we’ll be officially kicking off the Hot Stove season with….. oops. I almost slipped up. It’ll be announced tomorrow. ? Throughout the event, you’ll snack on light apps and have a chance to purchase Gray Duck’s Bomba Juice cocktails, just like at Target Field. Best of all, all the ticket proceeds go to the U of M to fight crummy neurological diseases and disorders. Whew. Is that enough? No? Good, because we have one more announcement tomorrow. We’ll see you back here tomorrow for the big (especially for Twins nerds) reveal and early on Friday morning to grab those limited tickets. View full article

Bomba Juice is fast becoming a fan favorite libation at Target Field, so today, we’re happy to announce that Gray Duck Spirits will be providing Bomba Juice cocktails at Twins Daily’s Diamond Awards Watch Party Fundraiser. Plus, all the proceeds from their sale will fight crummy neurological diseases like ataxia and ALS. We gave you an early heads up on the event yesterday, but here’s a refresher. Next Friday, 11/19, we’re throwing a Twins Daily Watch Party for the Diamond Awards. They’ll be televised on Bally Sports North from 6-7, but we’re going to watch it with Twins Daily writers and some special guests that we’ll announce on Thursday. We’ll gather at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka from 5:00 to 8:00 for some light apps and heavy socializing. Twins Daily’s writers, including John, Nick, Brock, Ted, Rena, and David, have already confirmed, and we’ll be welcoming some special guests that we’ll announce on Thursday. Today we can confirm that Bomba Juice cocktails will be available by Diamond Awards sponsor Gray Duck Spirits, who are responsible for the Gray Duck Deck in Target Field. If you’ve had them, you know they’re a little too delicious, so plan your night accordingly. Twins Daily is also sponsoring the Diamond Awards again this year, but since the event is virtual, we thought we would get together and add some Hot Stove talk. If you can’t make it, you can still watch the Diamond Awards on BSN, but pro tip: register that you’re watching them here. It’s a great event that includes awards for outstanding Twins players from last year and funds innovative research and patient care for brain nerve and muscle disorders at the U of M and M Health Fairview Hospitals and clinics. It also includes lots of great side activities, including a legendary silent auction, so register and don’t miss any of it. But here’s the tricky part: we only have 60 tickets. We’ll announce the price on Thursday (all proceeds go to fight those debilitating diseases), and the tickets will be available Friday at 8:00 AM at TwinsDailyEvents.com. So set an alarm or a reminder or something! We don’t want you to miss it! View full article

Aaron and John discuss the hiring of recently dismissed San Diego Padres manager Jayce Tingler as the Twins bench coach, the departure of Alex Colome, the waiver claim pickup of reliever Jharel Cotton, and which prospects the Twins should protect to guard against the Akil Badoo snafu. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. View full article

Join Twins Daily in kicking off the Hot Stove season by getting together, and doing some good too. This event includes watching the Diamond Awards with us all, and other special stuff I’ll disclose the rest of the week. But you’ll need to jump on tickets early this Friday by visiting TwinsDailyEvents.com, or you’ll likely get shutout. Next Friday, 11/19, Twins Daily is having a Twins Daily Watch Party for the Diamond Awards, which will be televised on Bally Sports North. We’ll gather at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka from 5:00 to 8:00 for some light apps and heavy socializing. Twins Daily’s writers, including John, Nick, Brock, Ted and David have already confirmed, and we’ll be welcoming some special guests that we’ll announce on Thursday. But we will only have 60 tickets available! We’ll announce the unbelievable price on Thursday, but – like the Diamond Awards - 100% of the ticket price will go to the U of M to fight some really crummy debilitating neurological diseases like ataxia and ALS. They’ll go on sale on Friday morning at TwinsDailyEvents.com, so make sure you send yourself a reminder to get in early. When you see everything we have planned, you’ll see why we're afraid we’ll sell out fast. Twins Daily has been a supporter of the Diamond Awards for years, usually selling out several tables at the event. Alas, this year the event is again virtual, but you can watch it on Bally Sports North Friday 11/19 at 6:00. If you already know you can’t make it to our Watch Party Fundraiser, we would encourage you to register to watch the Diamond Awards here. Doing so will allow you to get all the info about the virtual event, including how to participate in their legendary silent auction. But it’s going to be a lot more fun watching the festivities with other Twins fans in a great location. Plus, between a potential work stoppage and COVID concerns, we are concerned there might not be a Winter Meltdown this year, so this could be our only chance to get together. So let’s celebrate some award winners and fire up the Hot Stove just as the weather turns chilly. Tomorrow: We talk libations. ? View full article

Aaron and John break down the free agent starting pitcher market into four tiers, discuss the Twins hiring 31-year-old David Popkins as their new hitting coach, welcome Parker Hageman for a cameo about Joe Ryan, and talk about the McDonald's dollar menu for some reason. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. View full article