Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Winter Meetings recap
Twins interested in re-signing veterans
Finally, Minnesota is still in the running for free agents of their own. Primarily, the likes of Matt Belisle, Chris Gimenez, and Bartolo Colon could find themselves back in Twins uniforms.
The Twins have been in contact with the agents for Matt Belisle, Brandon Kintzler, Chris Gimenez and Bartolo Colon. Door is not closed on a return for any of them.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) December 12, 2017
As already discussed, Gimenez is a good bet to return if Yu Darvish were to sign. Yet, even if he doesn’t, the Twins look to be in the market for a backup catcher and Gimenez filled that role just fine in 2017. Not to mention, he’s a great guy in the clubhouse.
Even so, there’s part of me that wants to see Mitch Garver get a chance to make this team as the backup catcher, but I could understand the Twins wanting a more defensive-minded catcher behind Jason Castro. Given Garver’s flexibility, it isn’t unforeseeable for him to make the team considering he can play positions such as first base and the corner outfield spots.
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As for Belisle and Colon, Belisle was fantastic as the Twins closer in place of Brandon Kintzler. In fact, he was arguably better, posting nine saves in 11 opportunities with a 1.71 ERA in 25 games. Furthermore, he’s likely going to come dirt cheap compared to others on the market, so he’s a good depth move for Minnesota.
In the case of Colon, he provided solid starts down the stretch for the Twins in 2017. While he was far from perfect, he gave Minnesota some level of stability in the back end of the rotation. Nevertheless, I’d consider Colon a worst case scenario move. Basically, if the Twins miss out on a couple of their top starting pitching targets, then Colon returning to Minnesota looks like a safe bet. Otherwise, he has an uphill battle to making this team.
Next: What could the Twins lineup look like in 2018?
All things considered, the Twins didn’t make any major moves during the Winter Meetings, but it definitely wasn’t from a lack of trying. Sure, it’s disappointing Minnesota couldn’t come away with anything for next season in Flordia, but there’s plenty of offseason left and there’s bound to be plenty of activity to come for the Twins.