This offseason cannot be considered a success for the Minnesota Twins, but the good news is that it has not been a complete failure and is far from over.
Around this time last year, the Twins made the decision to sign Donovan Solano, which proved to be the best $2 million the franchise spent. It’s possible that the team may follow in similar footsteps and make another Spring Training acquisition that will pay out handsomely in the long run.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Twins are one of four teams on Hernandez’s list of finalists.
“Free-agent super-utility guy Kiké Hernández is deciding between four teams, according to individuals familiar with his discussions. Rosenthal said that the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants are the finalists, in no particular order.
This is not the first time we’ve heard that the Twins were interested in Hernandez, who appears to be the Twins-iest player who has never played for the franchise.
Hernandez can play outfield and second base, which adds depth in critical positions, though there may be some redundancy depending on who makes the Opening Day roster.
Minnesota has Kyle Farmer and Willi Castro to fill utility roles, but Hernández may provide valuable depth behind Max Kepler and Matt Wallner in the outfield. Austin Martin and Brooks Lee are expected to be part of the strategy moving forward, reducing Hernández’s potential effect. However, the senior guidance he provides may be worth the cost of what he gives to a young club attempting to reach the World Series.
The Twins appear to be Hernández’s best choice for joining a competing group. Even with quality players, the Padres and Angels are in an odd position, while the Giants have a lot of potential but were unable to make the playoffs last season.
The Twins are always on the lookout for versatile utility players, and Hernandez fits the bill. He feels like the type of veteran signing that a team hunting for championship pieces would make, and at the appropriate price, he appears to be a no-brainer depth addition for Minnesota.
If there is a bidding war, the Twins would be better suited using that money elsewhere in free agency.
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