While the Minnesota Twins’ offseason has largely been quiet and uneventful, recent days have seen a couple of significant moves. Danny Coulombe rejoined the team to bolster their bullpen with a left-handed option, and Harrison Bader was brought in to provide insurance for Byron Buxton. Although the Twins’ financial resources are likely stretched thin at this point, they are still looking to make further adjustments to the roster, with a particular emphasis on improving their infield depth.
A key area of focus for the Twins is shortstop, as the team faced challenges last season when star shortstop Carlos Correa was unavailable for a stretch. During that time, players like Brooks Lee, Willi Castro, and Royce Lewis filled in at the position, but none were ideal solutions. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the team has been exploring additional options to improve at shortstop.
Hayes reported that the Twins have expressed interest in adding a veteran shortstop, recently reaching out to free agents Luis UrÃas and Paul DeJong. If they were to sign a shortstop, the Twins would likely need to trim payroll, possibly through a trade. The team’s current payroll exceeds the $140 million mark, which may require moving players like Christian Vazquez or Chris Paddack. There’s also the possibility that the Twins could acquire a shortstop in a trade deal. However, it’s unlikely that either UrÃas or DeJong would command significant salaries.
UrÃas, who played just 41 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, posted a .191/.303/.394 slash line, which resulted in a 105 OPS+. While his defensive metrics at shortstop have not been impressive, he has shown versatility, excelling at second and third base in the past. His ability to provide depth at multiple positions could make him an attractive option for the Twins.
On the other hand, DeJong, who spent part of last season with the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, played in 139 games and posted a .227/.276/.427 line. Despite a lower batting average, DeJong hit 24 home runs, the third-highest total of his eight-year career, making him a strong slugging presence. Defensively, he struggled last season with -9 DRS (defensive runs saved) but has shown positive metrics in the past, including 24 DRS and 7 OAA (outs above average) in 2019. His past defensive success, combined with his power bat, could be appealing to the Twins as they seek to strengthen their infield.
One challenge for the Twins is determining where another infield addition would fit, especially with Willi Castro still on the roster. It’s possible that 2024 rookie Austin Martin could begin the season in the minor leagues at St. Paul, which would open up room for a new addition. Regardless of how the roster shapes up, it’s encouraging to see the Twins taking proactive steps to create additional depth after a season where injuries and player ineffectiveness derailed their playoff hopes in the latter part of the year.
In summary, while the offseason for the Minnesota Twins has been relatively low-key, the team is actively seeking ways to improve its roster, particularly in the infield. With their focus on shortstop help, veterans like UrÃas and DeJong are among the potential additions, though financial considerations and trade options will play a significant role in shaping the team’s moves. The Twins’ efforts to deepen their roster reflect their commitment to avoiding the pitfalls that contributed to their struggles last season.
