Three potential offseason targets for the Minnesota Twins

Despite missing Byron Buxton for half the year to injury and Carlos Correa's continued struggles offensively, the Minnesota Twins rode the backs of a strong pitching staff to win the AL Central this year. The right offseason additions might put the team in a spot to hold onto the division title for years to come. 

Alex Verdugo, OF, Boston Red Sox

The Twins' outfield group has been pretty solid this year, despite Buxton missing significant time. The team's decision last offseason to bring in Michael A. Taylor proved to be a wise one as he was called on to replace Buxton defensively. Joey Gallo will likely leave in free agency, meaning the Twins will once again be looking for someone to help work into the mix. 

Reports have circulated since the trade deadline that Boston could make Verdugo available this offseason and there may be a fit in Minnesota. Verdugo spent all of 2023 in right field but he has time at all three outfield positions. The 27-year-old batted .268/.326/.430 on the year. 2024 will be his final season of arbitration eligibility. 

Brady Singer, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Fronted by a pair of arms (Pablo López and Sonny Gray) who both should figure into the AL Cy Young Award discussion, the Twins rotation has been among the game's best this season. Gray is second in the league in both ERA and pitching WAR while López is challenging for the strikeout crown. Gray will be a free agent at season's end, however, and there's a good chance he's pitching himself into a lucrative deal the Twins won't be willing to match. 

Singer's availability is unclear. He's arguably the best arm on the Royals roster and if the team hopes to contend it would make sense to build around Singer rather than trade him. Unless, of course, an offer comes along that just makes sense. Since debuting during the 2020 season, Singer has been a fixture in the Royals rotation and has thrown more than 500 innings for the team, posting a 4.49 ERA and 1.345 WHIP. 

Enrique Hernández, IF/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Royce Lewis has emerged as a real star. Edouard Julien showed he can hit MLB pitching. Top prospect Brooks Lee is likely close, if not ready to step into an everyday role. Plus, Correa is still under contract and there has to be hope he'll hit better than the .230/.312/.399 line he's produced this season. Minnesota doesn't necessarily need to aim big this offseason for additional infield help. 

That said, there could be a fit for Hernández in Minnesota. The versatile veteran has shown he can handle multiple positions over his career. He would also bring a real presence to the clubhouse, as Hernández has been widely popular wherever he's played.