The Minnesota Twins have quietly added some pieces to their roster this offseason.
Most recently, they signed catcher Christian Vazquez and outfielder Joey Gallo to a pair of one-year deals.
However, they will need to do even more to stay competitive in the AL Central.
Here are two more moves the team needs to make to complete a strong offseason.
2. Sign Nathan Eovaldi
With most of the big name starting pitchers signed from the free agent market already, Nathan Eovaldi has now become the premium option.
While he may not be the ace of a staff, Eovaldi has a lot of potential to be a contributing member of a starting rotation.
Nathan Eovaldi is rolling 😤
He’s got 7 Ks through 5 shutout innings 🔒 pic.twitter.com/FtQvnA9Z3v
— ESPN (@espn) October 6, 2021
He posted a 3.87 ERA in 2022, after a pair of seasons with an ERA below four in 2020 and 2021.
He also has a championship pedigree, with experience in the postseason.
This could be big for the Twins, who are looking for that type of leadership in their rotation.
It should be a relatively inexpensive signing, and would be smart for the Twins to pursue.
1. Trade Max Kepler
After adding Gallo, focus has shifted to Max Kepler’s trade market due to their overabundance of outfield options.
He seems to be the odd man out, and could get a solid package in a trade.
The team is in need of a solid starting pitcher, and Kepler could be their chance to get that.
They could also benefit from adding another bullpen arm or two, building their depth to try and compete against other AL Central teams.
One team that fans have speculated should be interested are the New York Yankees.
– 109 Steamer wRC+
– 113.9 Max EV
– 8.1 BsR since 2020
– 9 DRS and 11 OAA
– Would have 31 more HRs if he spent his career at Yankee StadiumMax Kepler, you are a New York Yankee pic.twitter.com/NRdAiIFfSY
— Ryan Garcia (In the Lab🧪) (@RyanGarciaESM) December 13, 2022
They need a spot to fill in the outfield and have pieces to trade.
It doesn’t seem like the Twins are done yet, so expect them to continue strengthening their roster before the start of the season.
