The Twins' front office was constricted by payroll limitations for a second straight offseason -- this time in the wake of announcement that the Pohlad family was looking to sell the team. After a quiet winter, they'll hope for better health and improvement from within.
Major League Signings
- Harrison Bader, OF: One year, $6.25MM
- Danny Coulombe, LHP: One year, $3MM
- Ty France, 1B: One year, $1MM
2025 spending: $10.25MM
Total spending: $10.25MM
Option Decisions
- Declined $12MM mutual option on OF Manuel Margot
- Declined $6.25MM mutual option on INF Kyle Farmer
- Exercised $1.5MM club option on RHP Jorge Alcala
Trades and Waiver Claims
- Acquired C/INF Mickey Gasper from Red Sox in exchange for LHP Jovani Moran
- Acquired C Diego Cartaya from Dodgers in exchange for RHP Jose Vasquez
- Traded INF Michael Helman to Cardinals in exchange for cash
- Selected RHP Eiberson Castellano from the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft
Extensions
- None
Minor League Signings
- Mike Ford, Anthony Misiewicz, Erasmo Ramirez, Huascar Ynoa, Darren McCaughan, Alex Speas, Armando Alvarez, Yunior Severino (re-signed), Scott Blewett (re-signed), Daniel Duarte (re-signed)
Losses
- Carlos Santana, Max Kepler, Alex Kirilloff (retired), Caleb Thielbar, Kyle Farmer, Manuel Margot, Michael Helman, Anthony DeSclafani, Caleb Boushley, Diego Castillo, Brent Headrick (lost to Yankees via waivers), Ronny Henriquez (lost to Marlins via waivers)
On Oct. 10, executive chair Joe Pohlad announced that his family would explore a sale of the team after 40 years of ownership. The 42-year-old had been elevated to oversee day-to-day ownership duties for the family just two years prior and quickly signed off on a club-record deal to re-sign Carlos Correa and an extension for Pablo Lopez just weeks after acquiring him via trade. The Twins entered 2023 with a club-record $154MM payroll, but as their television revenues were upended by the bankruptcy proceedings for Diamond Sports Group/Bally Sports, ownership mandated a payroll reduction of some $30MM in 2024 and placed strict financial limitations on the front office again this offseason.
The composition of that front office, it should be noted, changed dramatically this winter.
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Wow Harrison Bader is the big signing of the season. I dont think i would ever see that.
I would have went MAT and spent the $ saved on something else. Pham. Even cheaper Verdugo. How about Canha for free? Tauchman for 2m. Lots of relievers anywhere from 1 3 5 million. Heaney Quintana for 5 million. I don’t follow them. Maybe they are set and going to win 100 games. If not there was lots of cheap free agents available.
F
Make some effort. Can sell team for more with more season ticket holders. Show the fans you are trying.
“Make some effort”…I totally get your point, but when selling a team clogging up the books with more than 1 year deals is not advised. The new owners will likely want to have latitude to make their own payroll clogging decisions.
No reason to give anything except 1 year deals if you are a mid market team. Some of the best players and even more best values were 1 year deals. Many 5 million or less.
Starting Pitching:
The Twins have a solid starting rotation, anchored by Pablo López. The development of pitching prospects is also a positive.
Grade: B+
Bullpen:
The addition of Danny Coulombe helps the bullpen. But there are still some questions about bullpen depth.
Grade: C+
Offensive Production:
The departure of Carlos Santana creates a potential gap in offensive production. The health and performance of players like Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis will be critical.
Grade: C
Defensive Stability:
The addition of Harrison Bader adds to defensive stability.
Grade: B
A reasonable win prediction would be in the range of: 80-86 wins. I guess that’s not bad for the AL Central.