Twins adds first baseman Eric Wagaman, utilitymen Vidal Bruján and Orlando Arcia
The Twins’ most notable acquisitions early in the offseason were righty reliever Eric Orze, who Minnesota acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell, whom the Twins signed to a one-year, $7 million deal. Minnesota also signed righty relievers Yehizon Sanchez, Grant Hartwig and Dan Altavilla to minor league deals.
Since then, the Twins have added a number of position players who could make an impact in the Majors next season. They acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman, who can also play left field and third base, from the Miami Marlins. Wagaman generally struggled at the plate last year, but hit .283/.321/.462 with five home runs and 26 RBI in 173 at-bats against lefties.
The Twins also claimed a former top-100 prospect, utility man Vidal Bruján, who was waived by the Atlanta Braves. Minnesota designated catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper as a corresponding move. Bruján has played every position in the Majors except catcher.
Additionally, Minnesota signed former Braves All-Star shortstop Orlando Arcia to a minor league deal. Arcia, the younger brother of former Twins outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, can play at an above-average level at all four infield positions. However, he has struggled significantly at the plate in recent seasons.
Former Twins outfielder Max Kepler suspended 80 games for PED violation after rough season with Phillies
On January 9, the Office of the Commissioner announced that former Twins outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games for a PED violation. He tested positive for epitrenbolone. Kepler is currently a free agent after a rough season with the Phillies in 2025 and will have a hard time finding a team interested in signing him. He will likely have to wait until midseason to sign with a team desperate for on-field help.
Milwaukee Brewers hire former Twins GM Thad Levine
The Brewers hired former Twins general manager Thad Levine as a special advisor on baseball operations. according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Levine, 53, served as general manager of the Twins for eight seasons under president of baseball operations Derek Falvey before parting ways with the organization during the 2024-25 offseason. The former Twins executive had retired from baseball last season while working on a podcast titled List of rings. Levine also previously spent 10 years as assistant general manager of the Texas Rangers under Jon Daniels.
Michael A. Taylor joins the Twins coaching staff
The Twins have hired Michael A. Taylor as an outfield instructor. He was Minnesota’s primary center fielder in 2023 as Byron Buxton was sidelined for most of the season, serving only as a designated hitter.
Phillies are reportedly interested in Ryan Jeffers to replace JT Realmuto
According to him, the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in trading for Jeffers Matt Gelb of The Athletic (subscription required).. The Twins are unlikely to move Jeffers as they look to win in 2026, but could part ways if they are overwhelmed by an offer.
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