Free Agency Targets for the Twins

The Minnesota Twins are in a very delicate stage of their development as they come off of their fourth consecutive season of 92 or more losses. Now that they have hired a new manager to captain their sinking ship, they need more deckhands to grab an ore.

With that said, here are my picks for who the Twins should target in free agency and how they would contribute to our rebuilding team.

Captain Molitor

Outfield

So far, Oswaldo Arcia is the only outfielder that the Twins have penciled into their 2015 roster. Though he has had some defensive trouble to start his career (ranked seventh-worst out of all outfielders in defensive wins above replacement last year), he could adapt as he gains more experience. One thing is certain - he needs regular at-bats if he is going to develop into the stud hitter that everybody wants him to be.

Oswaldo Ar-SEE-YA-LATER

As I wrote in a blog post a few weeks ago, Torii Hunter makes a lot of sense for the Twins. Not only would he bring a much-needed clubhouse presence, but he would add above-average offense at a stopgap position until some of the Twins’ highly-touted prospects are ready to take over.

With Hunter signed on to play right field on a one or two year deal worth around $9-10 million annually, Arcia could move over to left field where his defensive capabilities might actually suit him better.

Time to bring our friend home 

If the Twins want to think out of the box they should consider ponying up for Cuban-defector Yasmany Tomas. Though he would most likely require a huge contract, the powerful slugger would be yet another force in the middle of the Minnesota lineup for years to come.

Since he is only 24, Tomas might very well decide to seek a four or five year contract so that he can hit free agency in his prime. If this is the case, the Twins would be smart to offer a hefty contract worth somewhere around $60-65 million over four years. It would be the biggest free agent contract in franchise history, but considering Tomas’ upside (prodigious power) and a relatively manageable contract to trade if need be, this shouldn't be overlooked as a possibility.

Would look pretty good in a Twins uniform...

Just imagine a lineup in the not-too-distant future that looks like this:

Byron Buxton CF

Joe Mauer 1B

Miguel Sano 3B

Oswaldo Arcia RF

Yasmany Tomas LF

Kenny Vargas DH

Brian Dozier 2B

Josmil Pinto/Kurt Suzuki C

Danny Santana SS

In theory, that lineup looks stacked. Though some of these players still have a lot to prove before they can be penciled into an everyday role, their high ceiling gives hope for something like this happening relatively soon.

See you soon, young grasshoppers.

Starting Pitcher

Honestly, I don’t think the Twins are as desperate for pitching as everybody says they are. Phil Hughes, Kyle Gibson and Trevor May should be locks to make the starting rotation barring any injuries or setbacks. Beyond that, Minnesota has Ricky Nolasco and Tommy Milone that can round out the group, but I understand the desire to find someone a little more appealing and reliable.

With that said, I would want the Twins to go after Brandon McCarthy, who had excellent peripheral numbers last year with the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees. If they offer him a contract worth $39 over three years with a mutual option for a fourth, that could be enough to net the sturdy right-hander.

Side note: McCarthy is one of the funniest players in baseball

The Twins don’t need any more stop-gap starters. They’re beyond the point of making underwhelming, though necessary signings a-la Kevin Correia or Mike Pelfrey. If they can’t get the guys they really want, then they should just let the high-upside prospects like May and Alex Meyer take over.

I would be more than comfortable with a rotation of:

Phil Hughes

Brandon McCarthy

Kyle Gibson

Trevor May

Ricky Nolasco/Tommy Milone/Alex Meyer

Note: My sources are calling the Twins the dark horse in the James Shields derby. I would probably be okay with this, but I’m not optimistic about anything happening given his connection to big-market bidders like the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. If the Twins can land him, great. If not, no big deal.

Big Game James

So, as it stands right now, the Twins are looking at an opening day patrol of about $73 million before any free agent additions and after giving reasonable arbitration bumps for their seven qualified players. If the Twins’ owners are comfortable bumping up to $90-95 million, which has been a reasonable tab in recent years, then these signings could be in play.