5 Critical Offseason Moves So the Twins Can Contend in 2025

5. Make Matt Wallner a Full-Time Starter

After showing flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, Matt Wallner deserves a full-time role in 2025. The young outfielder has demonstrated impressive offensive potential, hitting 27 home runs with a .254 average and an .886 OPS over the past two seasons. With corner outfielders Max Kepler and Manuel Margot departing in free agency, Wallner is primed to step into an everyday role. If he can maintain his power-hitting prowess, Wallner could become a key weapon in the Twins’ lineup.

2. Trade Chris Paddack and Christian Vázquez

To free up payroll for other roster needs, the Twins should explore trading Chris Paddack and Christian Vázquez. Both players carry significant contracts—$7.5 million and $10 million, respectively—and have underperformed in recent seasons. Moving these contracts would open up resources to strengthen other areas, such as the bullpen or lineup depth. While it won’t be easy to find takers, Paddack’s age and Vázquez’s defensive skills could appeal to teams looking for value acquisitions.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

3. Replace Carlos Santana

With Carlos Santana departing in free agency, the Twins face a significant hole at first base. Santana delivered strong offensive production in 2024 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs, but the Twins may have to rely on internal options like Jose Miranda or Yunior Severino to fill the void. Miranda showed promise last season, but his lack of power could limit the offense’s potential. Without a big free agent signing, finding consistent production at first base will be critical for the Twins to maintain their offensive output.

For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.

4. Shore Up the Middle Relief

The Twins’ bullpen had mixed results in 2024, with standout performances from Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, and Jorge Alcala offset by underwhelming contributions from others. Injury-plagued acquisitions like Justin Topa and poor performances from Steven Okert and Jay Jackson highlighted the team’s need for better depth. Reinvesting in middle relief and adding reliable arms through trades or free agency could provide much-needed stability to their bullpen.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.

5. Make Matt Wallner a Full-Time Starter

After showing flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, Matt Wallner deserves a full-time role in 2025. The young outfielder has demonstrated impressive offensive potential, hitting 27 home runs with a .254 average and an .886 OPS over the past two seasons. With corner outfielders Max Kepler and Manuel Margot departing in free agency, Wallner is primed to step into an everyday role. If he can maintain his power-hitting prowess, Wallner could become a key weapon in the Twins’ lineup.