We’re less than a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training for the 2026 MLB season, and to say the Twins have had a dull offseason thus far would be an understatement. The only significant addition is Josh Bell, who likely profiles as the team’s primary first baseman. The most notable lack of movement was rebuilding the bullpen, after the team traded its top five relievers at the 2025 trade deadline. They completed an early offseason trade for Eric Orze, who seems like a surefire bet for the Opening Day roster at this point.
12 offseason moves the Twins should have made themselves
When looking at roster moves that Twins fans would have liked the team to make, it’s important to note that just because a player signed a certain deal with a team doesn’t mean he would have signed that deal with the Twins. Minnesota is unlikely to be at the top of the player list if they enter free agency at this point, given the team’s insistence on cutting payroll, trading away key pieces at the deadline, and overall lack of recent success. Still, it’s worth looking at deals that would have been good additions to the team had they materialized.
Mets sign INF Jorge Polanco to 2-year, $40 million deal
Polanco, an acquisition that would have brought back a fan favorite, was likely out of the Twins’ price range at $20 million per year. Still, he is an impactful bat in the middle of the lineup and could have worked in the lineup at first base, dedicated hitter or even second base if Luke Keaschall had been moved from second base. He may not have been the perfect fit, but Polanco would have been an asset that brought some joy back to Twins fans after a discouraging 2025 season.
Pirates sign 1B Ryan O’Hearn to two-year, $29 million deal
Not to spoil the signing of Josh Bell too much, but O’Hearn would have been a more inspiring and exciting signing. After struggling in the big leagues early in his career, O’Hearn has become a very reliable hitter. He would have been the Twins’ everyday first baseman and would have been a nice complement to the team’s right-handed bats like Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers and Luke Keaschall.
Mets sign RHP Luke Weaver to 2-year, $22 million deal
Weaver was an integral part of the Yankees’ bullpen the past two seasons, although he had some issues last season. Still, he would have been a great addition to a bullpen that could use some stability and a full-time closer. He has some closer experience with the Yankees, and while it wouldn’t completely replace the five relievers traded in July, it would be a start.
Marlins sign RHP Pete Fairbanks to 1-year, $13 million deal
Fairbanks has opted out of his contract with the Rays to become a free agent this offseason, ultimately ending up with a big one-year contract with the Marlins. Like Weaver, Fairbanks has slot experience and would have been a full-time closer for the Twins. The deal likely cost the Twins a price if they had any interest, but still, Fairbanks would have been a fun personality and an experienced late-inning arm.
Cardinals sign SP Dustin May to one-year, $12.5 million deal
Starting pitcher is certainly not the Twins’ biggest need right now. In fact, it may be the team’s greatest strength. Still, in addition to Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, the team will rely heavily on young and unproven starters. The final two rotation spots are currently expected to be filled by two of Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel and David Festa. Not a bad spot to be in by any means, but adding another veteran to the group would have been a nice way to spend some of the money the team supposedly had to play with this season.
Phillies sign OF Adolis García to 1 year, $10 million
After seemingly establishing himself as a reliable power-hitting corner outfielder, García has failed to surpass a .700 OPS over the past two seasons. Despite the decline, power remains, and García can at least be relied on as a nice platoon bat. The Twins could use a right-handed corner outfielder given the abundance of left-handed outfielders they have, especially if they insist on keeping Trevor Larnach.
Six more relievers, that would have made a lot of sense
Royals trade for LHP Matt Strahm
Reds sign RHP Pierce Johnson to 1-year, $6.5 million deal
Cubs sign Hunter Harvey to 1 year, $6 million
Guardians sign Shawn Armstrong to one-year, $5.5 million deal
Braves re-sign Tyler Kinley to 1-year, $4.25M deal
Cubs sign Jacob Webb to 1 year, $1.5 million
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