The Minnesota Twins have a few glaring issues to address before they begin Spring Training in February. Starting pitching outside of ace Ervin Santana and young phenom Jose Berrios should be addressed, as well as the bullpen and possibly another bat.
This ballclub has two different options when it comes to money: either pick up a top-of-the-line starter (Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish) and try to build from within and pick up average arms for the bullpen, or go for someone more in their price range for starting pitching (Lance Lynn, Alex Cobb) and then aim for some quality bullpen options, such as closer Wade Davis.
Japanese two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani could be on his way to Minnesota, as the Twins are listed as one of the possible destinations for him. I’m going to break down five players other than Ohtani that could continue the Twins’ winning ways in 2018 if they join the club.
1. YU DARVISH, RHP
The Twins would be automatic contenders if they signed a true ace for the pitching staff like Darvish. The Japanese-native is a four-time All-Star and pitched for the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. In 31 games started between the two teams, the right-hander posted a 10-12 record with a 3.86 ERA. The price tag should be high for the 31-year old, but the Twins would solidify their front three of the rotation in Santana, Darvish, and Berrios; Kyle Gibson most likely should fill the fourth spot and others will compete for the fifth spot in Spring Training. If the Twins want to shell the money out, Darvish is their guy. Arrieta is someone that has not been rumored to be on the Twins’ radar, so if the Twins want to spend the moolah for a sure-fire arm, it’s Darvish rather than Arrieta.
2. LANCE LYNN, RHP
This option would be relevant if Darvish decides to sign with someone else, or if the Twins want to take a more cost-efficient path. The 30-year old Lynn, spending his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals since 2011, has been one of the better work-horses in the Majors. His career ERA stands at 3.38 and has pitched more than 175 innings in every season except his short rookie stint in 2011 and 2016. 2016 is a year that can be considered a downfall for the husky right-hander (6’5”, 285 lbs.), as he missed the entire season due to offseason Tommy John Surgery. He bounced back well in 2017, posting an 11-8 record and a 3.43 ERA. He also pitched over 186 innings, showing there is no lingering symptoms on the elbow. The 2012 All-Star would be a slick move for the Twins if they want to explore free agent options in the bullpen as well.
3. ALEX COBB, RHP
This is another more-affordable option for Minnesota, signing the 30-year old Cobb. The right-hander has been a name-of-old for Tampa Bay Rays fans since 2011. Over his six-year career, Cobb has compiled a 48-35 record and a 3.50 ERA. Just like Lynn, Cobb had Tommy John surgery that caused a missed season in 2015. His 2016 season was short-lived, as he only appeared in five games. Last season was a tremendous bounce-back, as he compiled a career-best in wins (12), innings pitched (179.1), and walks-per-9 innings (2.2). He did give up 22 home runs last season, but all in all, it was a success for him to be pitching well at the Major League level after surgery. The Twins could go with either Lynn or Cobb, with Lynn being perhaps a tad more money than Cobb.
4. WADE DAVIS, CP
There is not a ton of super-star relief help in free agency this offseason, so Davis remains the biggest sweepstakes for Major League Baseball. Davis is a starter converted to a closer, and he has made a splash. In the past three seasons, Davis has compiled 78 saves and a 1.64 ERA as a closer for the Kansas City Royals (2015 and 2016) and Chicago Cubs (2017). The three-time All-Star should be the most sought-out reliever this offseason, and the Twins are due for a shutdown closer. There are some blemishes to consider about Davis, most notably his command. He walked more than four batters per nine innings in 2017, and allowed six home runs, with five of them coming in the season’s final two months. The chances of Davis coming to Minnesota could be slim with his price tag and interest, but other relievers the Twins might be interested in include ex-Twins Brandon Kintzler and Anthony Swarzak, Greg Holland, Addison Reed, Mike Minor and Brandon Morrow.
5. ALEX AVILA, C
This move would come into play if catcher Chris Gimenez decides to go. Avila is a nine-year veteran and has handled great pitching staffs of the Detroit Tigers in the past. A platoon of Castro and Avila would be the plan going forward, with two seasoned vets manning behind the plate. Avila appeared in 112 games for both the Tigers and Chicago Cubs last season, hitting .264 with an on-base percentage of .387. He also hit 14 home runs, which is second-best career-wise to his All-Star 2011 season when he hit 19. The Twins could also take another path at the catching position in bringing up top catching prospect Mitch Garver, and have him mentored by Castro. For the catching position, Avila is the Twins’ best-case scenario if they want to keep a veteran stance.
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