I have been a cynic of the Minnesota Twins ever since they cut payroll after the 2023 playoffs. I still can’t believe the Pohlads made that decision after seeing how electric Target Field was, and how alive the fan base was after beating the Blue Jays. The downfall this franchise has taken since then is honestly incredible and something that should be studied for years to come in a “how not to run a sports franchise” class.
Saying this, I give the Twins front office and ownership credit for the moves they made at the trade deadline. I made a video last week calling on the Twins to not just add at the deadline, but add some players of significance. Don’t just go out and add some depth arms so you can say you were buyers at the deadline, go out and actually make this team better.
I don’t pretend to be a baseball expert but A.J. Minter is a solid add to a depleted bullpen. A 2.22 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched is the type of dude the Twins need in the bullpen. Jeff Hoffman is an established arm with a load of playoff experience. Dean Kremer is struggling this year, but he has another year of team control and another starting pitcher can’t hurt. The Twins attacked their weaknesses and made significant upgrades and for that I tip my cap.
One other thought, I am happy that Derek Shelton is getting a chance to manage a legit playoff contender. He seems like a good manager that maybe was just victim of some really bad teams in Pittsburgh. And from all accounts he seems like a good guy too.
Now if the Twins sneak into the playoffs and make some noise, please Tom Pohlad do not cut payroll this offseason!
