Talk about March madness.
Although front offices often dream of creating the perfect offseason plan for their teams, they rarely achieve that goal due to the complexity of trades and free agency as well as the need to adapt quickly. The signing of Carlos CorreaThis year’s most valuable free agent is. to a three-year, $105.3 million contractThe Minnesota TwinsThe exclamation point was added to an impressive series of moves by team president Derek Falvey, and GM Thad Leevine in one week.
The Twins first used their catch depth and traded Mitch GarverRangers shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa. They also acquired the underrated Sonny GrayReds for Chase Petty — The team’s first-rounder in 2021 but a high school pitcher years away from the majors. They shipped their third baseman, Kiner-Falefa’s shortstop, within 24 hours of acquiring Kinerfalefa Josh DonaldsonThe catcher Ben RortvedtTo the Yankees as third baseman Gio UrshelaThe catcher/DH Gary Sanchez.
Donaldson owed $49.5million. Trading him allowed for more money to be used for free agent pursuits. Trevor Story. Story was hesitant to make a decision and the Twins came in for Correa. ESPN’s Jeff Passan stated that the deal “came together quickly”. Passan called the deal a “stunner”, and it is. This is not the way that the Twins operate. This contract surpasses the $92million guaranteed to Donaldson, and the $55million to be given to him. Ervin SantanaBack in 2015.
Correa is also the BestWith apologies for Jack Morris, this is the first free agent signed by the Twins. Correa comes off a 7.2 WAR season, where he finished fifth among MVP candidates. Correa also hit.279/.366/.485 along with 26 home runs and won a Gold Glove. Correa is entering his 27th season and although he has had injuries in the past, he has been in good health the last two seasons.
Yes, Correa is subject to opt-out clauses in 2022 and 2023. This means that he could leave the Twins within one season. This would not be ideal for the Twins but it does mean there is no long-term danger here (aside from Correa being injured and having him pay in 2023 or 2024). Correa is awarded the highest annual average value contract for a player in position, though he wasn’t able to get the $300m deal he sought at the start of free agency. However, Correa can return to the market with another strong season and, due to his age, could still be eligible for a super-mega deal.
This deal was so good that even another team couldn’t match it. Correa had been in discussions with the Astros; it’s hard to believe that they wouldn’t have done it with a slightly higher AAV in Houston to keep him. The Mariners have plenty of money and they are willing to spend it. J.P. CrawfordAt shortstop, they need a hitter. Correa would have been an excellent fit. The penny-pinching Yankees were the obvious choice for Correa in November. They will pay Donaldson and Kinerfalefa $26.5 million each in 2022. Would you rather have Correa at 35.1 million or those two at the same price?
The Twins’ offseason moves leave them with Correa Gray, Urshela Sanchez, and Urshela Urshela. Dylan BundySigned before the lockout, players worth 11.6 WAR for 2021. Bundy could get more upside if he bounces back from a disappointing season with the Angels. Donaldson, Garver, and a free-agent shortstop are the departing players Andrelton Simmons — were worth 6.8 WAR. It gives the Twins this interesting lineup:
RF Max Kepler
CF Byron Buxton
SS Carlos Correa
2B Jorge Polanco
1B Miguel Sano
Gary Sanchez, DH
LF Trevor Larnach/Alex Kiriloff
3B Gio Urshela
C Ryan Jeffers
The bench includes Luis ArraezThe rookie infielder Jose MirandaSanchez was the backup catcher and he was one of the top Triple-A hitters last season. This lineup is loaded with power and defense with Jeffers, Buxton, and Correa — provided Buxton stays healthy.
Are the Twins now contenders for the AL Central? Although the White Sox are still the heavy favorites in the AL Central (about six more wins according to Bradford Doolittle, my colleague), the Twins are within shouting distance. The extra playoff team will also help the Twins’ playoff chances. More rotation help is what they need. One could argue that the week of transactions felt strange after the Jose BerriosTrade to the Blue Jays last year, as he was still under team management for another season. But a successful front office can adapt to the market, and that’s exactly what the Twins did.
As you can see, the rotation is as follows Kenta Maeda, Gray, Bundy, Bailey Ober Joe Ryan. Ryan is a great believer. He was fantastic in his five-start major league debut last September. Ryan had 30 strikeouts and five walks in just 26.2 innings. As a rookie, Ober had a 4.19 ERA and a great strikeout-to walk ratio (96 to 19. If he can curb the home runs, he’s a potential middle-of-the-rotation starter. Twins also boast a few near major league ready starter prospects. Josh Winder(2.63 ERA) between Triple-A (Double-A) and Triple-A (Triple-A). Jordan Balazovic(3.62 ERA at Triple-A).
Even though Correa might only be with the Twins for one season, it means that they are in a win-now mood for 2022. They are rumored not to have any interest in starting A’s pitchers because there isn’t much available in free agency. Frankie Montas Sean Manaea. The Twins have one the most impressive farm systems, with potential starting pitchers in Simeon Woods Richson and Matt Canterino. Jhoan DuranWho might be of interest to A’s. Austin Martin (acquired through the Berrios transaction) Royce LewisTwo top-100 prospects are what the Twins would most likely prefer. Miranda, who slugged.344/.401/.572 and had 30 home runs, would make a great third baseman for the A’s. Matt Chapman.
Also, the Twins have many options for improvement. I suspect this blueprint isn’t complete.