The Minnesota Twins have been fairly silent during the free agency period. Besides a couple of moves here and there, nothing they have done has demanded local attention, let alone the national spotlight.

But the Twins always keep everyone and everything in-house. They sign players to team-friendly deals to keep spending low. Why else shed money after a successful 2023 season?

With the league trending towards a lockout at the conclusion of 2026 and into 2027, the focus on the field may be white noise for an ownership staff that, aside from the Pohlad family, was nameless and faceless to the fans until last month.

While the sentiment is that this team is always trying to stay competitive, front office actions show what “competitive” means to them. It’s this kind of thinking that has the Twins consistently in the conversation to be at the top of the AL Central, but never a favorite to win a championship.

No offseason splashes

Josh Bell is Minnesota’s only notable offseason signing.

The Twins acquired shortstop Oswaldo Arcia, catcher Victor Caratini, and reliever Taylor Rogers to help address depth issues. Still, they could have added impact players like Luis Arraez, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, or starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

Arraez, Suárez, and Valdez would cost more than the Twins are willing to spend. Still, their value to this team would give fans at least the illusion that they are trying to compete for a title, rather than being satisfied with mediocrity.

Higher-value signings also show the players currently on the squad that they care, rather than making guys like Joe Ryan or Byron Buxton feel they need to look elsewhere to feel valued.

Thankfully for the Twins, the entire division has mostly stood pat this offseason.

The AL Central

Unlike the other two American League divisions, the AL Central has seen very few division-altering moves, aside from maybe the White Sox acquiring Munetaka Murakami from Japan.

While the White Sox seem to be the most active in an otherwise slow division, they are still in the middle of a rebuild.

The Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians have also had quiet offseasons. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers have made a point of focusing on pitching, bringing in Kenley Jansen and Drew Anderson.

In a division where few teams did anything this offseason, the Twins could separate themselves by signing an impact player. A splash signing would show the fan base that they are serious about competing for more than just the division.

Targets

With spring training right around the corner, some free agents are itching to get on a team, even if it’s just for one season. So, who are some top names at needed positions that the Twins could go after?

Knowing that Twins ownership wants to pay off its $500 million in debt, which frustrates fans, they’ll have to find players who will take a lower offer or splurge a bit.

For example, Suárez would be a great option at shortstop or third base. An infield featuring Royce Lewis and Suárez has both decent defense and outstanding power, making for an imposing left side. Suárez would be looking for a decent-sized offer, one that ownership may not be willing to consider.

Bringing back Arraez would bring about the same issue. He would ask for more than the team would be willing to pay. The former AL and NL batting champion had a bit of a down season by his standards (his .292 batting average was a career-worst). Still, with Arraez rejoining the group, the major issue the 2025 team had (RISP) would skyrocket, making the Twins a threat.

While the team likes to build from within when it comes to pitching, there are guys like Germán Marquez and Shelby Miller who would be worth taking a flyer on to see what they can do for a pitching staff that will otherwise be young and mostly untested.

The team doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank to prove they can be competitive, but sitting on your hands and staying silent isn’t showing your fan base that they matter. Fans are growing restless and want this team back to caring about winning and the product put on the field.

Twins fans in the concourse chanting “SELL THE TEAM!” so loud it drowned out the TV postgame. If that’s not a review of ownership, what is?#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/97sDAWbvm9

— Talkin’ Twins (@TalkinTwins) August 15, 2025

If nothing else changes, fans can expect to only compete for the AL Central crown until ownership and the front office prove them otherwise.