The Minnesota Twins missed the MLB Playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2022, despite strong campaigns from starters Sonny Gray and Joey Ryan, as well as superstars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. The AL Central is one of the more intriguing divisions entering the 2023 campaign, thanks in large part to the parity between the five teams. So, how did the Twins do this offseason? Here’s a look at Minnesota’s notable moves.
Related: 2022-23 MLB Offseason Recap: New York Yankees
Notable Additions
- RHP A.J. Alexy
- SS/3B Kyle Farmer
- OF Joey Gallo
- RHP Pablo López
- OF Michael A. Taylor
- C Christian Vázquez
The Twins added a number of pieces to its group, including two interesting hitters in Kyle Farmer and Joey Gallo. The versatile Farmer, who played multiple positions with the Reds and clubbed 30 home runs between 2021-22, will join the Twins infield for 2023. Joey Gallo, meanwhile, will bring his prodigious power to Minnesota after a rough 2022 campaign. With the Yankees and Dodgers, Gallo hit .160/.280/.357 last season.
The most notable moves were the additions of Christian Vázquez and Pablo López. A two-time World Series winner, Vázquez will look to bring stability both at the plate and behind the dish for a Twins team has received subpar production from the position since 2019, when Mitch Garver and Jason Castro combined to hit 44 home runs. López, meanwhile, has been one of the game’s most underrated starters over the last three seasons. The 26-year-old will join the Twins for 2023, but it did come at the cost of reigning AL batting champion Luis Arraez.
Notable Subtractions
- RHP Chris Archer
- 1B/2B Luis Arraez
- RHP Dylan Bundy
- RHP Michael Fulmer
- C Gary Sanchez
- 3B Miguel Sanó
- 2B/3B Gio Urshela
For all of December and part of January, it seemed highly probable that star shortstop Carlos Correa would not come back to Minnesota. Correa signed a massive deal with the Giants, before that deal fell through due to a physical. The 28-year-old would then agree to a similar deal with the Mets, but that would collapse due to another physical. The Twins swooped in after the issue with the Mets, and Correa will come back to Minnesota on a six-year deal worth $200 million.
As for who the Twins lost this winter, Luis Arraez and Gio Urshela were both used as trade capital. Chris Archer and Dylan Bundy — both of whom struggled at times with Minnesota — left via free agency alongside longtime Twin Miguel Sanó and Michael Fulmer.
A Recap
Minnesota spent a good chunk of 2022 in first place in the AL Central, but conceded control in the summer to the eventual division winner Cleveland Guardians. The Twins had a great offense last season led by Byron Buxton, Jose Miranda, and Carlos Correa, and all three will be key for Minnesota next season. As will Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler, both of whom had down years for the Twins.
Pitching was a weakness for the Twins last season, particularly the starting rotation. Pablo López should insulate the core of the Twins rotation, but don’t forget about Kenta Maeda. Maeda missed all of 2022, but was masterful for Minnesota in 2020. With those two in the fold, the Twins should stand a better chance of competing for a playoff spot in 2023.
