The Twins met with Zack Wheeler’s representatives at Jet Sports during last week’s GM Meetings, Darren Wolfson of 1500 SKOR North reports in his latest podcast (audio link). Minnesota also has interest in free-agent lefty Madison Bumgarner, much as they did prior to the July 31 trade deadline. The Twins filled one spot in the rotation when Jake Odorizzi accepted the qualifying offer, but they still have virtually no certainty beyond Odorizzi and fellow righty Jose Berrios. Thankfully, Minnesota has a substantial amount of payroll space given their lack of long-term commitments. Adding at least one more — and likely two more — seems like it’ll be a goal for recently extended front office tandem Derek Falvey and Thad Levine.
Some early notes in what should be a busy offseason for the Twins…
- The Twins made a multi-year offer to Yasmani Grandal last winter but aren’t expected to pursue him again this winter, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports (subscription link). Mitch Garver’s breakout 2019 season and the continued development of prospect Ryan Jeffers has the Twins bullish on their internal catching options, even if Jeffers isn’t likely to be an option until the 2021 season. More importantly, the aforementioned needs in the rotation will take priority over sorting out who’ll share time with Garver behind the plate. Still, with Jason Castro hitting free agency and Jeffers only briefly reaching Double-A in 2019, adding a second catcher is arguably an understated need. Minnesota does have one of the game’s more unique backup options in the versatile Willians Astudillo, but “La Tortuga” batted just .268/.299/.379 in 204 plate appearances this past season (79 OPS+) and only suited up for 158 innings behind the plate. The 28-year-old Astudillo’s ability to catch and handle multiple infield/outfield positions does make him an intriguing fit as the 26th man on next year’s expanded roster.
- Also of note, Hayes writes that the Twins have some interest in bringing left-hander Martin Perez back in 2020, although clearly at a lower rate than the $7.5MM club option the team declined earlier this month. Speculatively speaking, it’d be interesting to see what the hard-throwing Perez could do in short relief stints, and the Twins don’t have much on the roster in terms of left-handed relief options beyond closer Taylor Rogers. Perez averaged 94.1 mph on his fastball as a starter in 2019 and would presumably see that velocity trend upward with a move to the bullpen.
- Odorizzi joined MLB Network’s Hot Stove show this morning to discuss his decision to accept the qualifying offer but also expressed interest in remaining with the Twins on a long-term deal (video link). “I really enjoy Minnesota,” said Odorizzi. “The people up there are fantastic. Obviously the team is really good. Our front office does a great job. Having [manager Rocco Baldelli] there is a great familiarity with me. But that’s kind of out of my control. The door is open from me, and it’s just a matter of if they want me. … I’d like to have a place where my family can settle down with me and call home, but that’s baseball — sometimes you’ve got to play it year to year and figure it out from there.”
Sign wheeler and pomeranz
Forget about Pomeranz, slightly overpay Perez and bring him back as a reliever.
If I remember correctly, he was pretty displeased to be pitching out of the Rangers’ bullpen at the end of his stint there. I also don’t think an overpay would be necessary, as I doubt many team are clambering to sign him as a starter; maybe teams like the Orioles, Tigers, Royals, etc. He could be a potentially dominant reliever. One of his most glaring weaknesses last year was his BB/9, but as a member of the bullpen, walk rate isn’t nearly as important as it is as a rotation piece. Ultimately, it’s up to his ego.
Who knows, maybe a 1yr/$5M with a chance for more through incentives could possibly be enough to convince him.
Pomeranz?! No freakin way. Love me some Zach Wheeler though. His career needs a shot in the arm the way Odorizzi’s got this past season.
Buxton is on the verge of a breakout. Twins are in good shape right now, especially in that division. Even if they miss on Wheeler or MadBum, I think Rick Porcello & Michael Wacha are flying under the radar and could be steals @ 10-12mil. They should sign the trio of Shelby Miller, King Felix & Matt Moore on minor league pacts with the hope one of them can rebound and be their #5. Unlikely, but little risk.
Yuck. Go big.
I gotta echo the thoughts of the previous commenter. Going after third or fourth tier SPs after winning 101 games and getting whipped in the first round is not going to help you in the end. Why the need to go cheap? They have excellent payroll flexibility, a young roster, a good farm system and are likely to see a significantly increased gate. There is absolutely no reason that they do not come out of this FA without a minimum of at least Wheeler (my preferred), MadBum or Ryu.
Buxton plays 80-100 games a year between chronic back, wrist and migraine issues. He cannot be counted on as an every day player.
You mean Buxton is on the verge of an injury. At all times.
They need to stop being the Twins this offseason and spend some $$ to get a proven workhorse! Please stop wasting 10-12-14 mil on middle rotation guys you “hope” will give you more. Time to stop messing around, we are in a contender window!
I think the Twins are generally overlooked as possible big time players this off season.
Acquiring a pair of proven veteran SP’s to compliment Berrios and Odorizzi along with adding a significant bullpen arm would help assure that likelihood in 2020.
If the White Sox allow the Twins to sign Wheeler, I’m done.
Agree – to me Sox should sign Wheeler and Keuchel. Then work on RF and a bullpen piece.
As a Twins fan, you guys can have Keuchel, we’ll gladly take Wheeler though 🙂
Keuchel is a groundball pitcher. The Twins’ infield defense is not a strength, to say the lease. Nothing against Keuchel, he just doesn’t fit with defensive make-up of the Twins.
The white Sox also have defense issues with Tim Anderson
Very true. The Twins can hit, but that’s about it.
The average team salary in the MLB this year was $133MM in 2019. If the White Sox increases payroll to even just $100MM next season, they would dominate the AL Central for years. My concern is Reinsdorf says no, and forces Hahn to prolong the rebuild another 3 or 4 years. White Sox may not care anymore by then. I know I won’t.
*White Sox fans
Your concern about JR saying ‘no’ is unwarranted. He was reluctant to approve the rebuild (at first) because like the rest of us he’s not getting any younger.
Thats not to say he wants Hahn to go nuts with the checkbook this offseason. Just that he won’t want to prolong the rebuild any longer than is prudent.
BalazovicHype: True enough in regards to Tim Anderson’s defense. As a White Sox fan I would still take my chances on Dallas Keuchel inducing a ground ball hit to Timmy over a line drive headed to left fielder Eloy Jimenez or flying over the outfield fence.
Aside from Anderson, the White Sox also have some defensive issues at 1B as well with Jose Abreu. What they have going for them in the infield is the MLB debut of 2B Nick Madrigal who possesses Gold Glove caliber defense. Yoan Moncada also has plus athleticism and range at 3B and could also eventually develop into a GG infielder there as well. The addition of Keuchel would also add another GG defender to the infield when he pitches. His defense along with his pitching would remind White Sox fans of Mark Buehrle.
Of course, athleticism and range along with a strong throwing arm have never been the issue with Anderson at SS. His problem is being more consistent with fielding and throws on routine plays. Anderson improved those aspects of his defense during the second half of the 2018 season but regressed back to his erratic fielding this past season while his hitting escalated to an AL batting title. The tools are certainly there for TA7 but the E6 needs to stop asap or he will be looking for a new position or team in the not too distant future.
canocorn: Agreed. JR also had to approve the $250MM bid for Manny Machado last offseason. There’s no reason why those funds should not be available this winter.
Rick Hahn is a highly intelligent GM that includes smart allocation of dollars. As Kenny Williams assistant GM and a former player agent associate, Hahn was most responsible for putting together all those team-friendly contracts that helped expedite the White Sox rebuild that began just 3 offseason’s ago. He should be equally capable of distributing those same funds from last winter into a haul of very useful talent this winter.
What’s wrong with Tim Anderson? Hell of a good baseball player’
Reinsdorf deserves zero credit for authorizing a bid that ended up at 83 cents on the dollar.
26 other teams in MLB offered Machado zero cents on the dollar last offseason. An offer from two other reported suitors, the Phillies and Yankees were not publicized to my recollection but clearly would have been below those made by the Padres and White Sox.
I hope you’re done.
I’m convinced Wheeler will be a Phillie or Yankee
I hope he is not a Yankee. You guys can have him
You know he posted a 4.2 WAR last year & TJ out of the way. I like his upside
he posted an ERA+ of 102. he is already inconsistent in a pitchers ballpark vs NL teams. throw in a DH and a short right porch and we’re running new risks. i like his k/9 and BB/9 though
@Phillies2020…Ignore this lunkhead.
I hope he is not a Phillie. I really like the Phillies, I rather see Cole Hamels and Madison Bumgarner or Cole Hamels and Stephen Strasburg. Gerrit Cole will want a fortune, so the Phillies should not sign him.
Dallas Keuchal ? , maybe trade for Maeda
Whoever signs Wheeler will be making a mistake.
I like Wheeler at 3/60 or 4/75. Pretty sure someone will give him 5/100 tho
3/60 or 4/75?? he’ll sign with the Mets..
Wheeler is a top 5 pitcher on the market. He’s gonna want like 5/90
God forbid the team that signs the third best starting pitcher in this FA class who also possesses the best velocity and stuff aside from Gerrit Cole. Zack Wheeler was overshadowed in the Mets rotation by Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard along with C Wilson Ramos doing him and the others no favors behind the plate.
The only mistake here is your comment.
Agreed. It is entirely possible that under a better coaching staff and FO, that Wheeler will take things to the next level. He is capable of pitching in the upper 2’s/low 3’s with a K/IP.
I believe the White Sox will be targeting Zack Wheeler as their top free agent starting pitcher this offseason. I also believe that having a studious catcher like James McCann will work wonders for Wheeler and could potentially elevate him to the next level as an ace pitcher. McCann produced excellent results through his prep work for Lucas Giolito in 2019 and I believe he can do likewise with Wheeler.
If the White Sox also invest in FA catcher Yasmani Grandal or Jason Castro this offseason their pitch-framing ability should also benefit Wheeler along with the rest of their very young but extremely talented bevy of power pitchers. Make it so, Rick and JR.
Reinsdorf’s what, 80 something? If I’m him, I’m going out on top before somebody checks me into some nursing home for rich @zzholes, and parks me into a corner.
Screw the Angels… I would offer 8yrs/$265MM to Cole if I’m Hahn. Then I’d offer 6yrs/$120MM to Keuchel, regardless if Cole accepts the Sox’s offer or not. I’d throw a stack of cash to Grandal and Puig as well. You can’t take the money with you, Jerry! If the club gets stuck with bad.contracts four years from now, do what? Who cares? You’ll be drooling and soiling yourself by then anyway (if you’re lucky). Get another championship on your watch so people remember your name (instead of cursing it).
6/120 for keuchel you are out of your mind. No chance! I doubt he gets half of that
imagine having degrom and thor pitch in front of you and you still post an ERA+ of 102. i thought having better pitchers in the rotation with you made your job easier/perform better. guess not
“i thought” There’s the problem in a nutshell.
Steven “I cant fathom having to actually talk baseball” Chinwood rises up to embarrass himself once again. You are a pathetic loser.
I wish I could keep hitting this upvote on this over and over again. You’re right about everything. Watch Wheeler go to another club and become the anchor of that staff. Everyone will be saying the Mets blew it and didn’t know what they had!
@SteveAdams
“Perez averaged 94.1 mph on his fastball as a starter in 2020.” You’re even better than I thought! Since you can see the future, how about helping us out with the Super Bowl winner?
All he has to do is edit the post to make your comment look really stupid. Oh look at that.
If I am Minnesota, I immediately try to extend Buxton on the cheap. If that fails, I begin shopping him for starting pitching.
A Buxton for Lance Lynn swap seems to make some sense for both sides. As does a Buxton-Boyd or Buxton-Jon Gray deal.
A bit less likely, but maybe try targeting one of the A’s or Padres young arms. If the Red Sox deal Betts/Bradley, a Buxton for E-Rod swap isn’t insane.
Or alternatively, dealing Rosario is an option. Maybe Rosario leads a package for a pitcher in the Dylan Bundy, Caleb Smith, or Robbie Ray tier.
I would
Busting for Lance Lynn? Are you insane? We had Lance Lynn in 2018 for a few months, and he was terrible.
It would be foolish to trade Buxton, Rosario, or Kepler right now. If we can get all three to stay healthy for an entire season, they’ll be the best outfield in baseball easily.
We don’t have anybody in the system that’s ready to step into a starting role, and Marwin Gonzalez is most useful to us if he can play wherever we need him to and isn’t locked into an outfield position.
Also, it may just be coincidence, but we haven’t exactly had great returns when we’ve traded away center fielders.
Carlos Gomez – JJ Hardy
Denard Span – Alex Meyer
Ben Revere – Vance Worley, Trevor May
Aaron Hicks – John Ryan Murphy
Trevor May is the only one of those guys to last more than a year in the big leagues with the Twins, and he’s had injury issues and is still a bit of a question mark.
I agree on the no lynn and not trading Buxton but if they can get a good return for Rosario I would do it in a heartbeat.
Lance Lynn was either the 2nd(fWAR) or 3rd(bWAR) most valuable pitcher in the AL last year. He is controlled for the next two years at $10M/year. That commands a haul.
Even in his 2018 season you said was “terrible”, he was worth more than Buxton has ever been outside of 2017.
3 years of Buxton for 2 years of Lynn isn’t crazy at all.
I personally am a big Jake Cave believer.
Jake Cave? Terrible in the field. Long,looping swing that works fine against the Tigers and royals. dfa candidate
Cave’s no DFA candidate. He’s a good 4th or 5th outfielder. I agree re: his fielding, his routes always seem crappy. Remember, until Lewis is ready, Cave and Wade are really the only MLB-ready (at least in theory) CFers the Twins have besides Kepler, and I’m pretty bearish on Wade. I like that Buxton is willing to sacrifice his body for the team, it is what makes him arguably the best defensive outfielder in the league when he’s actually in the lineup. But until Byron figures out how to play aggressive defense without breaking his body, Cave is necessary.
He has excellent Statcast numbers as well as a 2nd half that showed a ton of promise(.306/.383/.581 with 7 HR in 140PA)
He still needs a platoon partner, but I am pretty confident he can mash RHP)
Are you kidding? Have you seen Cave play the outfield? He can defend competently in center and very well in both corners. He also has power to all fields. That makes for a great extra outfielder and lefty off the bench.
“Busting for Lance Lynn?”
Easy now, it’s NNN.
I agree that we should leave the outfield alone. It is outstanding in terms of defense and athleticism, in which Buxton is the centerpiece. Outfield defense is an extremely inportant strength of this team, and without it, the team defense goes from okay to pretty bad. I would like to see a three or four year deal done the with Buxton this off-season, before he really comes around with the bat. How good do thoes Kepler and Polanco extensions look now? Asides, Worley was awful, yes, but we came out way ahead with May over Revere, although I love him as a player. I also argue that Hardy contributed more in Minbesota than Gomez did.
Like your thought process, but E-rod is probably the least likely of the Sox’s arms to get dealt. They are trying to shed salary. Sale has the best chance to rebound so I doubt he gets traded. Eovaldi and/or Price wouldnt surprise me in the least however; in fact I think they almost have to deal one of them if they intend to get below the luxury tax threshold.
Moving Price requires either A) Betts to be packaged with Price B)The Red Sox to eat a significant portion of the contract, reducing tax benefits. C)A bad contract to be taken on in return(Wil Myers is common suggestion) D) A combination of the above(say Betts+Price for McCutchen + a prospect/$$$)
Eovaldi is a bit easier. But likely requires one of the above as well. I think a Eovaldi-Odor swap makes sense.
If the Red Sox deal E-Rod for Buxton, they can deal JBJ. Both result in them being just above the $210M tax threshold. If they DFA Sandy Leon, they are under it without dealing Betts/selling low on Eovaldi.
E) The Red Sox give up Benintendi and an impressive package of youth to a team that takes both Price and Eovaldi at full cost.
@Matt Tobin
You’re way underestimating the value of Betts in that deal. Even if it is just one year. He’ll go for a better deal. And I’m a NYY fan.
I’m don’t think Benetendi commands a ton, substantially less than Betts.
I don’t think the Red Sox are going to give up prospects unless they want their farm system to be the biggest joke in baseball.
You would trade byron buxton for lance lynn?! Are you nuts?! First off we had lance lynn already, how did that work out? 2nd, you don’t trade a generational defensive talent for crap you can sign on the open market. Probably the worst idea/comment to come around in a long time. To put it in perpective, the Twins said no to trading Buxton for NOAH SYNDERGAARD, but you think they should deal him for Lance Lynn. Ridiculous.
La Tortuga is alright. he was injured for parts of last year.
His numbers will never be sustainable unless he learns how to take pitches and work the count.
FREE ASTUDILLO
La Tortuga had great numbers until he got hurt.
They really do need another backup catcher though, as La Tortuga is most useful when he is available to be plugged into any position.
Over the last two years, he’s played every position except short stop!
I agree with Steve Adams take on versatile Willians Astudillo becoming the Twins 26th man on their 2020 roster. They will still need to replace free agent C Jason Castro who is coming off of a productive ‘bounce-back” season last year. Castro is 32-years old and will surely be looking for a multi-year deal this offseason as arguable the next best FA catching option behind Yasmani Grandal. This scenario would almost certainly prevent Castro from returning as Mitch Garver’s platoon partner behind the plate with top prospect Ryan Jeffers likely ETA in 2021.
Ironically, the division rival White Sox also look likely to employ a somewhat versatile catcher as their own 26th man in 2020. That would be young Zack Collins who made his MLB debut last summer. Collins remains a defensively challenged backstop but has intriguing potential with his high OPS left-handed bat which is something the White Sox could use in a batting order that leans heavily right-handed as I post. Collins began getting some significant reps at 1B last season in AAA and would also be a natural fit as a DH versus RHP. Pending further offseason moves, Collins appears destined to be the White Sox #3 catcher as well as a backup to Jose Abreu at 1B and a platoon DH in 2020.
If this comes to pass the White Sox, much like the Twins, will need to address who becomes their primary platoon catcher in 2020. Incumbent James McCann had a breakout season of his own in 2020 with the White Sox but is also entering his last arbitration eligible season this winter before potentially heading to free agency next winter.
There have been reports that the White Sox will target switch-hitting stud defender Grandal this offseason since their system lacks a sure-fire #1 catcher beyond 2020. If that pursuit falls short then Chicago would be an ideal fit for Castro who’s lefty power bat and solid pitch-framing metrics would be a nice match in 2020 with right-handed hitting McCann while also providing the White Sox a platoon option beyond this season with a multi-year contract. It’s also a very real possibility that McCann himself could receive a contract extension from the White Sox this offseason if they fall short in the Grandal sweepstakes. A team can do worse than having a tandem of McCann and Castro behind the dish who are each considered plus defenders and more than passable at the plate with their power.
Another good reason for the White Sox to sign Castro would be their ability to pick his brains regarding Twins SP’s Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi who have been especially tough versus White Sox hitters in their career AND perhaps get some additional helpful info on how to thwart the Twins batters who absolutely mashed Chicago pitching in 2019.
43 lines. That’s gotta be approaching the record. Up there in the StandUpGuy stratosphere.
Even though I’m a die hard Jays fan, something about the Twins I really like. Fantastic team. Hope they can add some pitching to beat up on the Yankees moving forward. Get em Twins!
Martin perez would be a great fit for any 5th spot in a rotation, or long relief. But I do not think he goes back to Minnesoda, I think he goes to the mets. The twins though, need to sign wheeler, pomeranz,, and maybe even ivan nova for a 5 starter.
Twins will do a bunch of very lack luster moves on paper that will turn into really good but not quite enough transactions. That’s their way. Doesn’t seem they miss often
They did get Nelson Cruz and that wasn’t lackluster. And how could they have known Marwin’s numbers were padded with cheating? Really, they should consider suing.
Lol @ “catcher”
Free Agent Starting Pitchers that DON’T COST a Draft Pick include…
Hyun-Jin Ryu 33, LHP, ’19ERA 2.32 MLB ERA 2..98 ; ’19 Sal- $17.9 M
Dallas Keuchel 32, LHP ’19ERA 3.75 MLB ERA 3.67; ’19 Sal -$13 M
Cole Hamel 36 LHP ’19ERA 3.81 MLB ERA 3.42 ’19 Sal -$20 M
Brett Anderson 32 LHP ’19ERA 3.89 MLB ERA 4.05 ’19 Sal-$1..5 M
Wade Miley 33 LHP ’19 ERA 3.98 MLB ERA 4.27 ’19 Sal-$4.5 M
I hope the Twins Front Office are looking at these candidate in addition to Zach Wheeler, Madison Bumgarner or bringing back Martin Perez. The Twins still need three more starters to compete in 2020. Let’s hope they can deliver.
I don’t see much wrong with giving Perez a shot out of the ‘pen, but I would much rather have Penada back as the 5th starter than Perez.
I’d have enough faith in Ben Rortvedt to back up Garver behind the plate along with Astudillo as an emergency option, but an inexpensive veteran backup wouldn’t be a terrible thing.
Seems like the Twins needs to address two things concerning their rotation. Most importantly, they need another firmly established starter to go along with Berrios and Odorizzi. However, I’d be great we could a get a lefty as well. Signing both Wheeler and Keuchel could be a real hinderence on the FO ability to improve the bullpen as well. Not to mention the possibility of extensions for Berrios and Buxton as well… Ultimately this leads the FO towards one specific pitcher that could fill both needs, Bumgarner. Although, the possibility of him coming to Minnesota seems unlikely given his ties to Atlanta; the team he grew up cheering for. If we fail to sign Bumgarner, where else do we turn? Keuchel?? Possibly, but it’s not ideal. Meaning, we’ll have to turn to the trade market where the only two lefty starters who’s impact could be on par with Bumgarner is Robbie Ray and Eduardo Rodriguez.
Ray is perhaps even a superior option to Bumgarner. Although, he only has one season of control left. Meaning, the FO has to be ok with the possibility of him being just a rental, unless of course he pulls a Goldschmidt and is open to signing an immediate extension. In that case, I’d be willing to give up a more in a deal.
Perhaps, Gordon, Cave, and Thorpe?
When it comes to E-Rod, he’s got two seasons of control left and is coming off a breakout season that could be the beginning of many great things for him career wise. Given that he’s still relatively young, the likelihood of Boston dealing him is not very high, despite the looming possibility of rebuilding phase for the franchise. However, since Boston has yet to engage in extension talks with E-Rod, I’d highly encourage the FO to make offers since Boston’s prospect system is pretty barren in the upper levels, something of which is an area of great depth for the Twins.
Perhaps a package of Larnach, Gordon, Duran could get a deal done?
The Twins have enough farm pieces to trade for a 4-5 starter with good upside. Someone like Alex Cobb would be a good acquisition for them.
Tough crowd.
Don’t where sandals; try to ‘void the scandals…
Why settle for a starting pitcher ‘project’ like Alex Cobb when the Twins have the pieces to pry Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks? Ray’s ace caliber left-handed arm would also be a tremendous compliment to the excellent right-handed ones of Joe Berrios and Jake Odorizzi and give the Twins a formidable trio of SP’s to compete in the postseason with the Astros and Yankees.
Ray is a pending FA next offseason but the Twins will have a year to work out a contract extension for him. If the front office comes up short in the Zack Wheeler sweepstakes trading for Ray might work. Heck, the Twins have the financial resources and assets to do both if their ownership has the will to make it happen. It doesn’t have to come down to profits over championships. Winning titles should take care of the bottom line just nicely in the Twin Cities.
I’d like to see MN get a lefty that is nasty. Ray is a nice target. Wonder if he’d extend though. I think Twins would rather go after a more controllable pitcher if they pursue via trade, maybe Boyd. And they have to be in on a prime FA with that payroll room.
I wouldn’t rule out Twins resigning Pineda or inserting Graterol in the rotation either.
Market on Zack Wheeler is going to be rich. Pushing for 5 Yrs $110M at the end of the day or settles on 4 Yrs $80M+.
Hyun-Jin Ryu might fit Twins if he can’t find the right term on the West Coast. Also bringing back Pineda on a 2-3 Yr deal makes a ton of sense.
Could also see Twins exploring trade route if they miss on the high end starting pitching. Marlins Caleb Smith or Pirates Arbitration Eligible Starters make sense.
I like Bumgarner, but he needs to be in the NL.