Minnesota Twins: Power hitting options in free agency

Pitching is clearly the priority for the Minnesota Twins in free agency, but they could use another power hitter as well. Who are the top options?

In 2017, the Minnesota Twins finished in the middle of the pack in home runs with 206. Specifically, that placed them 16th in the MLB, although they likely finish higher with a healthy Miguel Sano. Even so, they lack power hitters in their lineup.

Sure, the Twins have Brian Dozier who hit 34 dingers, but other than him and Sano, there’s no one you’d consider a prototypical home run hitter in the lineup. If we’ve noticed anything from this season’s World Series teams, the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s that they have the power bats in their lineups to make them dangerous at any moment.

In fact, according to Sporting News, the Astros and Dodgers set a World Series record after Game 5 in home runs hit, finishing with 25. For the postseason, all teams combined for 103, also a record. Furthermore, the MLB set a regular season record with 6,105 home runs. Basically, home runs dominated baseball this season and that carried into the postseason.

Of course, the Minnesota Twins have to prioritize pitching in free agency given that’s their major need. Ultimately, pitching is still the better determinant of success. This season, seven of the top 10 pitching teams in the regular season made the playoffs, whereas only three of the top 10 home run hitting teams made the playoffs.

Nevertheless, power hitting doesn’t hurt your chances, especially in the postseason. As matter of fact, there’s a good argument it made the biggest impact in this year’s World Series. A crazy thought considering how good the Astros’ and Dodgers’ pitching staffs are.

All things considered, the Twins could use another power bat in the lineup. In turn, they’d become a more dangerous lineup. Not to mention, the likes of Byron Buxton, Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler are bound to improve their power numbers.

So, let’s get into the top power hitting options on the market!

Side note: All free agents with more than 20 home runs in 2017 are listed, as well as a section on who the Twins should look at signing.