Are the Twins Getting Ready for One More Major Free Agency Magic Trick

By Seth Toupal |

Updated: Feb 28, 2019

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Spring Training is underway and the Minnesota Twins look up at the Cleveland Indians. But, the Twins haven’t been standing around. Here’s what the Twins’ offseason looks like so far:

Added notable free agents Nelson Cruz, Jonathan Schoop, CJ Cron, and most recently Marwin Gonzalez.
Locked up young players Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco to smart long term extensions.
Basically did nothing with the pitching staff except for Martin Perez and Blake Parker…yet:

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Derek Falvey stopped short of fully saying that the #MNTwins are done adding, but he did say that barring something unexpected, he anticipates that the 25-man roster will be selected from guys already in camp.

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) February 25, 2019

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I’m not saying… but I’m just saying… that IF I were still shopping around the Free Agent market during Spring Training…. i PROBABLY wouldn’t make comments in the media that would get my current players (and 25-man roster) worried about a big shake-up… If Dallas Kuechel changed his willingness to sign a short-term deal, would that be considered “something unexpected”? Again, I’m not saying… but I’m just saying…

Well, just in case… let’s take a look at what’s available. There are a few intriguing possibilities:

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Dallas Keuchel

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Dallas Keuchel (@kidkeuchy) on his free agent situation: “I'm calm & collected outside the field. So I really don't hit the panic button at all. I'm worried about getting myself ready..At the same time I'd like to get out there & meet new teammates or meet old teammates.” pic.twitter.com/JdOo00Wa7q

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 25, 2019

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Dallas Keuchel could help many teams but his market has been bone-dry. I’m shocked that the crafty lefty hasn’t seen an offer similar to what the Twins did last year with Lance Lynn. I know, I know… that didn’t work out but that isn’t to say that Keuchel wouldn’t. Time is running out because whoever doesn’t end up with Bryce Harper will probably get Keuchel.

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The fact that Dallas Keuchel is still not on a team is honstly more ridiculous than than the fact that Bryce Harper is not, someone give him five years and $100 million, you’ll get your money’s worth.

— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) February 24, 2019

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Craig Kimbrel

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According to multiple GMs Craig Kimbrel asking price has still not come down and sources close to Kimbrel think he will consider sitting out the year if he doesn’t get close to his perceived value.

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) February 23, 2019

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Kimbrel is apparently asking for a lot. So much, that he is apparently willing to sit out 2019 if he doesn’t get an offer the $6 year, $100 million contract offer he wants. I’ve already pleaded my case for the Twins to offer him an overpaid 1 year deal, for $21ish million and I still firmly believe they should do so. The longer we drag out this free agency thing, the better an offer like that looks. Yes, there are risks but what do you have to lose? Shorten the game and win the damn division.

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I never seriously considered Craig Kimbrel an option for the Twins because he was said to be seeking a six-year deal. However, if he's now available for, say, a three-year deal, they should absolutely be interested. I ranked Kimbrel as the #8 free agent. https://t.co/UoG8N1tdoN pic.twitter.com/X16TSZT8b9

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 1, 2019

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Let’s take a current stock of the rest of the division:

Kansas City Royals suck
Chicago White Sox are young and suck
Detroit Tigers suck
Cleveland Indians have peaked and is going to start to regress

The Twins have to be waiting for something big to happen don’t they? Or am I falling for the trap? I’m falling for the trap right? Who the hell knows. I just know that this roster is REALLY close to being REALLY good and with this type of talent still on the FA shelves…. you don’t close that door early.

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