As the offseason rolls on and the calendar creeps toward January, the Minnesota Twins are once again leaning into a familiar strategy: patience. For fans, it’s the annual test of endurance - watching the market heat up while the front office waits for the right moment to strike.
And while it can be frustrating, there’s a method to the madness. The Twins have long operated with a value-first mindset, especially when it comes to filling needs in the bullpen and at first base.
Bullpen: Holes to Fill, Time on Their Side
Let’s start with the bullpen, where the need is both obvious and urgent. With Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax no longer in the picture, Minnesota has some serious late-inning voids to address.
Several top-tier relievers - including Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez - didn’t last long on the open market, signing early and setting a high bar for price tags. But that’s not the Twins’ style.
Instead, Minnesota is playing the long game, eyeing a deep pool of veteran arms still available after the Winter Meetings. This is the sweet spot for the front office - a time when prices start to dip and opportunities emerge. Names like Pete Fairbanks, Shawn Armstrong, Luke Weaver, and David Robertson are exactly the kind of targets that fit the Twins' model: experienced, capable of handling leverage situations, and potentially available at a discount as the market cools.
This isn’t just about plugging holes; it’s about doing so without overpaying. The Twins have historically preferred one-year deals for bullpen help, betting on bounce-backs or steady veterans who can give them quality innings without tying up long-term money. It’s a calculated risk, but one that’s worked more often than not for Minnesota.
First Base: Searching for Affordable Power
First base is a bit trickier. The need is there - the lineup could use a boost, particularly from a bat that brings some pop - but the path forward is less clear.
A few names have surfaced as potential fits: Josh Bell, Rhys Hoskins, Ryan O’Hearn. Each brings a different profile, but all could provide the offensive jolt the Twins are looking for if the price is right.
There’s even been some light speculation about a reunion with Luis Arraez, though that’s more of a long-shot scenario - the kind that only becomes realistic if he’s still unsigned deep into the winter.
As with the bullpen, the Twins’ approach at first base is shaped by budget. They’re not likely to jump into bidding wars, and they’ve shown a clear preference for short-term deals at this position as well. That means they’re watching the market closely, waiting for the kind of late-offseason value that has become their trademark.
The Waiting Game: A Familiar Tune in Minnesota
This isn’t a new playbook. General Manager Derek Falvey and his staff have built a reputation for being deliberate in free agency, especially when it comes to mid-tier veteran talent. While other teams throw around multi-year deals in December, the Twins often sit back, letting the market play out before making their move.
It’s a strategy that can be maddening for fans eager to see upgrades, particularly in areas of obvious need. But it’s also one that’s rooted in discipline - and sometimes, that discipline pays off in the form of savvy, cost-effective additions.
Until then, it’s a waiting game. The Twins have their eyes on a number of potential fits, but they’re not rushing in.
They’re waiting for the right deal, the right moment, the right value. It’s the “Twins way” - measured, methodical, and, yes, a little maddening - but it’s how they’ve chosen to navigate the winter market.
And if history is any indication, they’ll be ready to pounce when the time - and price - is right.