There is a lot riding on the Twins this offseason. While there are other big names in the market, the Twins might have two of the biggest names, in Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez. If you read many national and some local writers, and especially fans of a popular Twins forum, those two are as good as gone, and the Twins are in a race to the bottom.
They will take Byron Buxton's comments that he might reconsider his stance - long term loyalty to the Twins - if the tear down continues as evidence that the roster purge will continue. Of course, Buxton never said that the purge would continue, and isn't on record as saying that he might consider approving a trade. And it might be possible that Buxton is trying to proffer evidence that is quite the opposite. If he through the Twins were going to continue the tear down, he would be ok moving on. But he isn't, because he doesn't think the Twins are going to continue tearing it down.
On the other hand, there are words from Derek Falvey, which indicate that the team is looking to add to the roster as it stands right now. That would indicate that there will be no tear down, but he did give the caveat that there hasn't been any direction yet from ownership. A tear down may yet happen, but it isn't guaranteed. Falvey likely understands that the AL Central is always in play with a little bit of effort, and is willing to put it in.
And this tracks with the deadline. Per reports, the Twins asked for Christian Walker in a Carlos Correa trade, and Wilyer Abreu in a Joe Ryan deal. Those are trade asks for a team looking to turn it around quickly. As with anything, it depends entirely on the Pohlads' appetite, which given the last year of headlines, may be a bit larger, if only to save a bit of face.
Another factor that may loom large is the potential for a lockout after next season. Is it more likely that there is a lock out for 2027, rendering the two years left on deals only one year? Does that mean the Twins should maximize the value on their starting pitchers, rather than hanging on for only one go around? These questions and scenarios are all speculative. An early Twins trade will set the offseason. Hanging onto them will signify something else, something more optimistic.
But it's all speculation. Actions will speak louder than words. There has only been one spot of real news since the season ended. The Twins set their coaching staff for the year, including new manager Derek Shelton, a Gardenhire and Grady Sizemore. Players seem happy, and fans are warming up to the new manager.
Other than that, nothing has really happened yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment