Twins Prepare for Offseason Overhaul with Key Decisions Ahead

The Minnesota Twins are entering a pivotal offseason following a disappointing 2023 season. With significant changes on the horizon, the organization is poised to make several key decisions that will shape its future. The focus lies on a managerial search, player evaluations, and potential trades as the team looks to improve its standing in Major League Baseball.

Managerial Search and Coaching Staff Changes

Following the dismissal of Rocco Baldelli after seven seasons, the Twins are actively searching for a new manager. A source familiar with the process confirmed that the team is interviewing several candidates, including New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton, and Boston Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vázquez. The Twins aim to finalize this decision soon, as the hiring of a new manager will lead to the formation of a revamped coaching staff.

In November, attention will shift to the announcement of MLB award winners. The American League Most Valuable Player race is particularly intriguing for Twins fans, with center fielder Byron Buxton in contention for a potential bonus. Buxton, who posted a 5.0 fWAR this season, stands to earn a $3 million bonus if he finishes between sixth and tenth in the voting.

Draft Lottery and Free Agency Outlook

The Twins will also be watching closely as the annual MLB winter meetings take place in Orlando, Florida, next month. After concluding the 2023 season with the fourth-worst record in the league, the Twins have a significant opportunity in the draft lottery. They have a 22.18 percent chance of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, trailing only the Chicago White Sox, who have a 27.73 percent chance.

A major development is anticipated regarding the limited partnership groups looking to purchase a percentage of the Twins from the Pohlad family. While details about these groups remain limited, one is reportedly well-connected to the Twin Cities, while another is described as a prominent family from the East Coast.

With the offseason approaching, the Twins are also expected to re-engage in trade discussions. They were the most active team during the trade deadline, and a full rebuild could prompt the organization to consider trading valuable players. Starting pitchers Pablo López and Joe Ryan may attract interest, as López is due $21.75 million, the highest annual payout for the team.

Free agency officially opens five days after the World Series concludes, allowing the Twins to explore potential signings. They entered the season with six impending free agents but traded all but one, veteran catcher Christian Vázquez. Vázquez, who missed over a month due to a shoulder infection, played in the final week of the season, concluding his three-year, $30 million contract.

As the Twins assess their roster, they have critical decisions to make regarding player contracts. They must determine whether to exercise a $2 million club option on reliever Justin Topa or buy him out for $225,000. This decision must be made within five days following the World Series.

Additionally, several arbitration-eligible players are on the roster. The team is expected to tender contracts to certain players, including Ryan. Trevor Larnach, projected to earn $4.7 million next season, could face scrutiny after a lackluster performance. With Buxton and fellow outfielder Matt Wallner in place, the Twins must decide whether to retain Larnach, a first-round pick from 2018. Other players, such as relievers Michael Tonkin and Anthony Misiewicz, may be candidates for non-tendering.

As the offseason progresses, the Minnesota Twins are positioned to make significant moves that could redefine the team’s future. With a new manager on the horizon and critical player decisions pending, fans can expect an eventful few months ahead.