Offseason Trade Rumors: Three Minnesota Twins Who Could Be Moved to Free Up Payroll
As the Minnesota Twins enter the offseason following their 2024 season, they find themselves at a crossroads. After winning the AL Central title and advancing to the postseason, the organization is eager to build on its success but also must navigate a series of tough financial decisions. Despite their recent success, the Twins have a relatively modest payroll compared to other contending teams, and with several key players eligible for arbitration or nearing free agency, it’s possible the front office could look to move some salaries to balance their books while keeping the club competitive.
Here are three players who could be on the move this offseason in an effort to free up payroll and potentially bring back valuable assets in return.
### 1. **Carlos Correa – Shortstop**
#### Why he might be traded:
Carlos Correa’s tenure with the Minnesota Twins has been one of the more intriguing storylines of the past few seasons. After signing a massive six-year, $200 million contract before the 2022 season, Correa has brought a steady presence to the shortstop position. However, his deal includes opt-outs after both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, giving him an out should he choose to test free agency again.
While Correa remains one of the top shortstops in the game, his contract represents a significant financial commitment, especially in a market where the Twins are known to be conservative with their spending. As of the end of 2024, Correa will have earned nearly $60 million of his contract, and his 2025 salary is set to increase significantly.
If the Twins are not in position to make a deep postseason run in the next couple of seasons or if Correa decides to opt out after 2024, Minnesota might choose to trade him while his value is still high. While parting with one of the league’s best shortstops would be tough, moving Correa could help free up funds to address other needs, such as the bullpen, outfield, or adding more offensive depth. A team in need of a veteran leader at shortstop, like the San Francisco Giants or the Chicago Cubs, could make a strong push for Correa, especially if the Twins are willing to take on some of the remaining salary to get a bigger return.
#### Potential Trade Suitors:
– **San Francisco Giants**: The Giants have been in the market for an upgrade at shortstop since failing to land top-tier free agents in recent offseasons.
– **Chicago Cubs**: The Cubs have been aggressive in acquiring veterans and could see Correa as a centerpiece for their infield as they continue to build around their young core.
### 2. **Max Kepler – Outfielder**
#### Why he might be traded:
Max Kepler has been with the Twins since 2015 and, when healthy, has provided solid defense and power from the right side of the plate. However, the 2024 season marked the latest in a series of frustrating years where Kepler has failed to consistently put up big numbers at the plate. With the Twins already having strong outfield options in players like Byron Buxton, Joey Gallo, and rising star Matt Wallner, Kepler’s role on the team has become increasingly uncertain.
Kepler is entering the final season of his contract in 2025, and while he has shown flashes of potential (particularly in his 2019 season when he hit 36 home runs), his inconsistency has made it difficult for the Twins to justify his $10 million salary for 2025. Given the increasing salary obligations for key players like Correa and Buxton, Kepler could be a prime trade candidate for a team looking for a low-cost, power-hitting outfielder with upside.
The Twins have already explored trading Kepler in the past, and if they’re unable to find a taker this offseason, they might look to offload him for a prospect or two, freeing up payroll while allowing a younger player, like Wallner, to step into a larger role in the outfield.
#### Potential Trade Suitors:
– **Cleveland Guardians**: The Guardians have a reputation for acquiring affordable power hitters and could see Kepler as a way to add depth to their lineup.
– **Baltimore Orioles**: The Orioles could take a chance on Kepler to complement their emerging power hitters in the outfield, especially with a potential platoon role.
### 3. **Joey Gallo – Outfielder/First Baseman**
#### Why he might be traded:
Joey Gallo’s time with the Twins has been a tale of two extremes: flashes of brilliance and long stretches of frustrating slumps. Gallo has the ability to hit towering home runs, but his strikeout rate remains one of the highest in the league, and his overall batting average has been below .200 for much of his time in Minnesota.
The Twins signed Gallo to a one-year, $11 million deal for 2024 with the expectation that he would provide some much-needed power to the lineup. While Gallo did produce 30 home runs, his on-base percentage and overall consistency at the plate have been lacking. With the 2025 season approaching, Gallo’s future in Minnesota is uncertain, and he could be seen as a trade candidate to clear payroll for other areas of need.
One potential avenue for the Twins is moving Gallo to a team in need of a power-hitting platoon player. A team in need of a designated hitter or a corner outfielder could find Gallo’s power a valuable asset for a postseason run. The Twins may not get back a huge return, but they could offload his remaining salary while also opening up more playing time for their younger players.
#### Potential Trade Suitors:
– **Texas Rangers**: Gallo started his career with the Rangers and could be seen as a fit for their lineup, especially if they need an additional power bat off the bench or at first base.
– **Miami Marlins**: The Marlins have a growing core of young talent and could look to add some veteran power to their lineup, making Gallo a potential target.
### Conclusion: Navigating the Financial Landscape
As the Twins enter the offseason, it’s clear that payroll flexibility will be key to their ability to continue competing. By trading players like Carlos Correa, Max Kepler, and Joey Gallo, the front office could free up significant funds to improve the roster in other areas. Whether it’s adding more depth to the bullpen, upgrading the outfield, or securing another bat, moving one or more of these players would allow Minnesota to make a strategic push for 2025 and beyond without breaking the bank.
While each of these players brings value to the team, their contracts and potential roles on the roster make them prime candidates for trade, particularly if the Twins can secure solid returns in the form of prospects or other cost-controlled assets. If the front office is willing to make tough decisions, the team could be in a strong position to build on their 2024 success while navigating the financial realities of competing in a small-market division.
