The Twins entered the free agent market late, thanks in large part for their misadventures in attempting to play in the top end of the free agent market. They had a lot of money to spend, but didn't put together a contract or sales pitch that was attractive enough to draw anyone to a long term commitment to Minneapolis.
The team did add Christian Vasquez, and given the need and market for catching, it seems as though the Twins wanted Vasquez, targeted him and signed him. He was signed before Carlos Correa left for the Giants, so circumstance also indicates a desire for Vasquez regardless of how other things played out. He fills a need for a veteran presence and a compliment to Ryan Jeffers, who has not yet grabbed the catching position with both hands.
Free agency seemed to have passed without the Twins spending more than what they committed to Vasquez by the time Correa made his decision. Their Plan's B and C were already gone, and competition was stiff for Dansby Swanson and Carlos Rodon. The Twins needed o come up with a new plan, or at the very least, execute Plan F.
Since Correa signed, the Twins have made one move, among rumors of others. Minnesota added left handed outfielder Joey Gallo, who possesses monumental power - I still remember him putting a ball through the windshield of a promotional Dodge Ram at the All Star Futures game - also provides some of the same strike out frustrations as soon to be former Twin Miguel Sano. Gallo, however, has a bit more positional flexibility, even playing center field in Texas, New York and Los Angeles at times along the way. He's no Byron Buxton, but also, he's no Gilberto Celestino.
It's also a further indication that there will likely be trades out of the existing outfield depth. The Twins have valuable trade chips, and a left handed redundancy with Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach and Alex Kirilloff, and now Joey Gallo all hitting on the left side of the plate. Adding Gallo lessens further the need for one of those players. The most desirable to be moved is Kepler from the Twins perspective, but Larnach or Kirilloff might bring back a better return. With little left on the free agent market, it seems like trading from this resource will lead to the heft of the pitching or infield upgrades they make.
The Twins needed to start enacting a new plan to field a competitive team in 2023. They certainly haven't executed it yet, but the move for Gallo certainly sheds some light on the direction it might take.
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