The open to the offseason with a flurry of activity. Minor trades, waiver claims, including the Twins losing relief pitchers Eric Orze to the Cubs and Jack Anderson to the Mets. The Twins didn't make any moves to add players yet, aside from offering Ryan Jeffers a qualifying offer. All this, despite my suspicion that November would be active, what gives?
Put it another way. The Twins have been opening up some spots on their roster, and haven't been working to accumulate fringy relievers or utility players, but have opened the possibility of paying Ryan Jeffers a lot of money next year. Jeffers isn't likely to earn a contract of more than a couple of years, so one year with a valuation of $23m, the value of the qualifying offer, is likely to be enticing. The Twins are gearing up to spend actual money.
Last year, as the team was looking to fill the roster with warm bodies to fill out the organization, they were active early, acquiring guys like Orze, Tristan Gray and Anthony Banda, letting the rest of the market pass them by. That the Twins didn't jump in on the market - and there were certainly teams behind them in he waiver claim order that grabbed players - has to be seen as a positive for those that want to see an increased payroll.
There are still 25 days until the lockout is scheduled to begin, and that is probably going to be reduced a bit by Thanksgiving, and how out of pocket players, agents and front office executives are. The Twins were selectively out of the market so far so they can be more intentional later. Part of that will likely involve Ryan Jeffers.
Now, watch him hit a dinger.
