2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Minnesota Twins

After falling short of winning the AL Central in 2022, the Twins managed to do so in 2023. However, the Twins will look different in 2024, as several key pieces are no longer in Minnesota. Here’s our Twins offseason recap.

Notable Additions

Minnesota changed up the bullpen this past winter, as the Twins acquired lefty Steven Okert via trade from the Marlins. Justin Topa also joined the Twins in a deal with the Mariners.

Speaking of trades, Minnesota also acquired defensive specialist Manuel Margot from the Dodgers. Margot can play all three outfield positions, a plus for a Minnesota team that’s dealt with injury troubles with a star center fielder.

The Twins also added first baseman Carlos Santana, who hit well last season for Milwaukee and Pittsburgh and could be an option for the leadoff spot against lefties. While it is just Spring Training, Santana did bat in that spot against a left-handed Yankee starter on February 26.

Now, a look at the subtractions part of our Twins offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

The Twins will look differently in 2024. Minnesota lost starters Kenta Maeda and 2023 AL Cy Young finalist Sonny Gray to free agency, as well as reliever Emilio Pagan.

In that aforementioned trade for Topa plus a talented prospect in Gabriel Gonzalez, the player who went the other way was Jorge Polanco. Polanco put up gaudy numbers in 2021 but injuries have limited him in recent years. Add in the emergence of Edouard Julien and Royce Lewis, and Polanco was seemingly the odd man out.

The acquisition of Margot will also likely fill the void left behind by Michael A. Taylor.

What to Expect in 2024

This offseason was likely going to be a tricky one for Minnesota. The Twins were one of the teams affected by the Bally Sports saga, meaning that funds for payroll were expected to be cut. While the Twins did bring in talent, the loss of Gray — one of the best starters in the AL last season — is a significant one

The Twins enter 2024 as the reigning AL Central champions. However, it won’t be easy for Minnesota to win the division crown for the second straight year.

Both the Royals and Tigers bolstered their squads, while a pitching-heavy Guardians team will look for better after a less-than-stellar 2023.

Minnesota still has a strong team and arguably the best lineup in the division. However, the health of Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa will be vital. The two were both dealt with injuries last year.

And as far as pitching is concerned, Louie Varland and Bailey Ober are among the names that will need to pick up the slack after the loss of Gray.