With Spring Training just around the corner, the Minnesota Twins' offseason has been, well, quiet-maybe a little too quiet for a team that just traded away the core of its bullpen and is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign. Aside from signing Josh Bell, who figures to be the everyday first baseman, the front office hasn’t made much noise. And with the bullpen still in flux after dealing its top five relievers at last year’s trade deadline, the lack of urgency is raising eyebrows.
Yes, the Twins did swing an early offseason deal for right-hander Eric Orze, and he’s a strong candidate to break camp with the big-league club. But beyond that, it’s been slim pickings. And while we can’t assume every free agent would’ve jumped at the chance to come to Minnesota-especially with payroll being trimmed and the team in a transitional phase-it’s still worth looking at some of the moves that could’ve made a real impact.
1. Jorge Polanco returns? Mets ink him for 2 years, $40 million
This one would’ve tugged at the heartstrings. Polanco, a longtime fan favorite in Minnesota, signed a two-year deal with the Mets worth $40 million.
That price tag likely pushed him out of the Twins’ range, but his bat would’ve been a welcome addition to the middle of the lineup. Even if second base is spoken for with Luke Keaschall, Polanco could’ve slotted in at first, DH, or filled in around the infield.
He’s not a perfect fit, but he’s a proven run producer-and after last season, a little familiarity and firepower might’ve gone a long way.
2. Ryan O’Hearn to the Pirates: 2 years, $29 million
The Twins did land Josh Bell, but O’Hearn would’ve been a more dynamic option at first base. After a rocky start to his MLB career, he’s found his groove and turned into a consistent offensive threat.
He also bats left-handed, which would’ve balanced nicely with Minnesota’s right-handed core-Buxton, Lewis, Jeffers, and Keaschall. O’Hearn’s resurgence has been one of the better stories in recent years, and he would’ve brought some pop and personality to the heart of the lineup.
3. Luke Weaver signs with Mets: 2 years, $22 million
Weaver played a key role in the Yankees’ bullpen the past two seasons, and while his 2025 wasn’t spotless, he brings late-inning experience and the kind of stability the Twins desperately need. With the bullpen in rebuild mode, a veteran like Weaver could’ve anchored the back end and even taken on closing duties. He’s not a one-man fix for the five relievers Minnesota dealt in July, but he would’ve been a strong first step.
4. Pete Fairbanks lands in Miami: 1 year, $13 million
Fairbanks opted out of his deal with the Rays and cashed in with the Marlins. Known for his fiery demeanor and high-octane stuff, he’s exactly the kind of personality that could’ve energized the Twins’ bullpen.
He’s got closing experience, and while $13 million is no small chunk of change for a reliever, the Twins could’ve used his edge and late-inning reliability. It’s unclear if there was any real interest, but Fairbanks would’ve been a fun, effective piece.
5. Dustin May joins the Cardinals: 1 year, $12.5 million
Starting pitching isn’t Minnesota’s biggest concern right now-if anything, it’s the deepest part of the roster. But that depth comes with question marks.
After Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober, the final two rotation spots are likely going to be filled by a mix of young arms: Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and David Festa. There’s upside in that group, no doubt.
But May, a veteran with electric stuff when healthy, would’ve added a layer of insurance and experience to a rotation that could use a steady hand behind its top three.
6. Adolis García heads to Philly: 1 year, $10 million
García’s bat has cooled off the past two seasons-he hasn’t posted a .700 OPS since 2023-but the power is still there. And for a Twins team loaded with left-handed outfielders, a right-handed slugger like García could’ve been a valuable platoon piece. He’s not a long-term solution, but on a one-year deal, he’d offer some thump and a little swagger to a lineup that could use both.
Six More Relievers That Would’ve Made Sense in Minnesota
The bullpen overhaul was always going to be a process, but here are six arms that signed affordable deals and could’ve helped stabilize things:
- Matt Strahm (Royals): A lefty with experience in multiple roles, Strahm could’ve offered versatility and veteran presence.
- Pierce Johnson (Reds): Signed for $6.5 million, Johnson brings swing-and-miss stuff and late-inning experience.
- Hunter Harvey (Cubs): At $6 million, Harvey’s electric fastball and high-leverage potential made him a sneaky good signing.
- Shawn Armstrong (Guardians): A reliable middle reliever who could’ve helped bridge the gap to the late innings.
- Tyler Kinley (Braves): The Braves brought him back for $4.25 million, and he’s shown he can handle pressure spots.
- Jacob Webb (Cubs): Signed for just $1.5 million, Webb could’ve been a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Final Thoughts
The Twins still have time to make moves, but with Spring Training looming, the window is narrowing. The bullpen remains the biggest question mark, and while the rotation and lineup have pieces to work with, this offseason has felt more like a holding pattern than a push forward. Whether it's a lack of spending flexibility or a shift in long-term strategy, the result is the same: a team that feels incomplete heading into a crucial season.
There’s talent here-no doubt about it. But if the Twins want to stay competitive in a tough AL Central, they’ll need more than just internal development.
They’ll need reinforcements. And as this offseason has shown, there were plenty of opportunities to bring some in.