The Twins are heading toward a winter where they could actually spend, and that changes the conversation fast. Minnesota plans to raise payroll for the 2027 season, which puts the club in position to shop with more intent on the free-agent market. Big-name prizes such as Tarik Skubal and Randy Arozarena are probably out of reach, but there are still several realistic position-player fits worth watching.
At the top of that list sits a familiar face: Ryan Jeffers. The catcher is the best backstop available in free agency, and because he has spent his entire career in Minnesota, a return would make sense if the price is right.
Jeffers could choose to accept his $23.15 qualifying offer, though the expectation is that he declines it and tests the market. The contract guesses already vary widely.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden sees a two-year, $15.5 million deal, while MLB Trade Rumors projects something much larger at four years and $75 million.
That length matters for the Twins. If Jeffers is willing to come back on a short-term deal, Minnesota would likely be interested. Stretch it to three or four years, though, and the calculus gets trickier with top catching prospect Vahn Lackey expected to be ready for his big-league debut within the next couple of years.
If Jeffers lands elsewhere, Carson Kelly becomes the next obvious name. He’s arguably the second-best catcher on the market after putting together a solid two-year run with the Chicago Cubs, where he hit .254/.335/.402 and produced 4.3 fWAR. At 32, Kelly looks like the kind of player who could fit on a two-year deal in the $15-22 million range.
Tyler Stephenson is another catcher Minnesota could circle. He posted 2.6 fWAR over the last two seasons with the Reds and is about the same age as Jeffers.
The price tag should be a little lighter than Kelly’s, and a two-year contract seems likely. He wouldn’t bring the same buzz as Kelly, but he would still give the Twins a steady option to pair with Victor Caratini next year and then, ideally, Lackey in 2028.
The other name near the top of the board is Ty France, who could help at first base. His first stint with the Twins didn’t go especially well, but he looked much better this year with the San Diego Padres after signing a minor-league deal last offseason.
France became one of San Diego’s most productive hitters, putting up 3.6 fWAR with a .295/.363/.502 line, 21 home runs, and 72 RBI in 133 games. He also brings elite defense at first base.
Because he’s in his 30s and had rough stretches in 2024 and 2025, he may have to settle for a one-year deal, which would be ideal for Minnesota. A two-year contract is more likely, and the Twins should still be in the mix if that’s what the market requires.
That fit makes even more sense if Royce Lewis is on his way out after two below-average seasons at the plate. Even if Lewis remains in the picture, the Twins could use another first baseman who can also handle some DH work.
Jake Bauers is another first-base possibility, but his situation is complicated by the qualifying offer he surprisingly received from the Milwaukee Brewers. That could make Minnesota reluctant to pursue him, since signing him would cost the club a draft pick.
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