After such a strange ending to the 2024 season, the Minnesota Twins are having just as peculiar of an off-season.
Their self-imposed financial limitations may have put bumpers on their winter strategy. Still, even with those in place, it’s been kind of a head-scratcher for many Twins fans. The newest development that feels a bit befuddling comes from a report from Dan Hayes of The Athletic, who has some inclination as to what the club could be working toward, even after adding Harrison Bader to their roster as a backup plan for Byron Buxton.
“The Twins may be seeking a similar defensive stalwart at shortstop in case they need to replace Correa, who has dealt with plantar fasciitis in each of his feet the past two years and was limited to 86 games last season,” Hayes wrote last week. “While he missed minimal time with plantar fasciitis in his left foot in 2023, Correa’s right foot injury resulted in a 53-game injured list stint in 2024. He is optimistic about his offseason preparation and knowing what treatment is required to manage his feet going forward.”
The idea that the Twins should be creating a legitimate backup plan if Correa needs some time off his feet makes a ton of sense to me. However, the idea that these shortstop options aren’t currently in the organization leaves me scratching my giant head.
Hayes has more to say, especially regarding their top internal option and some potential targets that remain on the free-agent board this late in the game.
“The Twins ideally prefer a steadier glove at shortstop than utilityman Willi Castro, whom they like to move around the diamond, in the case of a long-term absence for Correa,” he said. “Earlier this week, multiple league sources confirmed the Twins inquired about backup shortstop options Luis Urías and Paul DeJong after previously reaching out to infielder Jon Berti before he signed with the Chicago Cubs.”
I get the notion that there should be somebody who can fill in for Correa, even if they don’t match his stellar production. But to me, Castro is that guy, and Brooks Lee can be that guy in waiting should they need a backup shortstop.
Let’s start with Castro.
Willi made his first All-Star appearance last season after a brilliant first half where he hit .265/.352/.422 (.774 OPS). He showed he was more than capable of manning the shortstop position for long stretches. In 466 innings of work there last season, Castro was worth three OAA (outs above average). That’s very strong, especially compared to Urias (minus-four OAA on the season at third base, didn’t even play one inning of shortstop) and DeJong (minus-one OAA in 756 innings at shortstop).
Am I taking crazy pills?
Castro’s versatility is extremely valuable, especially for a Twins team that has shown an affinity for allowing regulars to get a day or two of rest regularly. Still, if Correa goes down for an extended period (let’s say a few weeks or more), they would be wise to make Castro the primary fill-in and fill in the other day-to-day holes with platoon partners or call up some of the high-end talent that they will likely stash at Triple-A.
That could even include Lee, who didn’t light up the majors in his first stint last season. Still, a shoulder injury hampered the newly graduated top prospect, and he’s firmly in their long-term plans going forward.
Even if they penciled in Lee as the primary second baseman alongside Correa to start the year, he could reasonably slide over to short if Correa went down and they needed Castro elsewhere. Even if Lee starts the season at Triple-A for a little more seasoning, the Twins could call him up as soon as they know Correa will be out for a while.
These internal backup plans have far more upside than Urias, DeJong, and anyone else remaining on the free-agent market. Therefore, if the Twins are serious about making marginal roster improvements as camp opens, they should consider bat-first bench options.
Otherwise, this whole exercise just feels…strange.
