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Strategic Moves: Twins’ Continue Retooling

Strategic Moves: Twins’ Continue Retooling

The Minnesota Twins have been making calculated moves since the offseason began, clearly focused on becoming a stronger contender in the AL Central in 2025. It’s been a mix of strategic signings and a notable trade that have drawn attention, each with a specific goal of addressing gaps and improving their roster depth.

Let’s start with their signing of Brock Stewart. Battling injuries for much of his career, including much of 2024, Stewart showed flashes of dominance out of the bullpen when he was healthy. His ability to deliver in high-leverage situations is something the Twins’ bullpen needed more of, especially considering the inconsistency they’ve faced in closing out games. Stewart’s versatility also stands out. Before 2024 he showed that he can handle multi-inning stints when necessary, giving the Twins options in how they deploy him. In the AL Central, where games can often hinge on the smallest margin, having someone like Stewart who can bridge the gap to the later innings is invaluable.

Then there’s the signing of Michael Tonkin. This move might have slipped under the radar for some, but it’s quietly one of the most intriguing pickups. Tonkin’s resurgence over the last couple years after spending time overseas and refining his approach has been remarkable. In 2024, he showed that he still has plenty left in the tank, boasting an impressive strikeout rate and demonstrating a newfound command of his pitches. For the Twins, who have sometimes struggled to find reliable middle-relief options, Tonkin’s experience and rejuvenated skill set could be a stabilizing force. The ability to get key outs in the sixth or seventh inning might not grab headlines, but it’s a crucial part of winning games over the grind of a full season.

Justin Topa’s addition is another signal that the Twins are intent on shoring up their bullpen. Topa has dealt with injuries in the past, but when healthy, his sinker-slider combination can be devastating. The Twins’ front office clearly sees potential in Topa’s ability to generate ground balls and keep the ball in the park—an essential quality in a division where the ballparks can be unforgiving. What makes Topa’s signing particularly interesting is how he complements the rest of the bullpen. He brings a different look, one that could keep hitters off-balance when paired with the power arms Minnesota already has in its relief corps. If Topa can stay healthy and maintain his form, he could be a key piece in turning close games into wins.

A notable trade with the Boston Red Sox back in December also caught some attention. The Twins traded Jovani Moran, a left-handed reliever, to the Red Sox in exchange for Brock Stewart, further strengthening their bullpen. Moran had shown flashes of effectiveness, with a strong strikeout rate and the ability to neutralize left-handed batters. However, the Twins saw an opportunity to address a more immediate need, adding Stewart—who had a solid 2024 season. Stewart’s experience in high-leverage situations and his ability to work multi-inning stints makes him a valuable asset to Minnesota’s bullpen. The trade is a calculated decision that directly improves the Twins’ late-inning options, something that was a weakness in 2024.

So how do these moves position the Twins in the AL Central for 2025? First, it’s important to recognize that the division is wide open. The Cleveland Guardians remain a strong contender with their pitching depth, but they have questions about their offense. The Chicago White Sox have talent but have struggled to put it all together. The Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers are still in various stages of rebuilding. This creates a prime opportunity for the Twins to assert themselves as the team to beat.

The bullpen was one of Minnesota’s weaker points in 2024, and the additions of Stewart, Tonkin, Topa, and the trade for Stewart now directly address that issue. Baseball games are often won or lost in the late innings, and having a reliable bullpen can be the difference between a playoff team and a .500 club. With these new arms, the Twins now have a variety of options to mix and match based on matchups, which is crucial in today’s game.

Offensively, the departure of Kepler means the Twins will need others to step up. This could be a breakout opportunity for younger players like Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach to claim a full-time role in the outfield. It also places more emphasis on their core hitters—guys like Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Royce Lewis—to lead the way. If they can stay healthy and perform to their potential, the Twins’ lineup has the talent to be one of the better ones in the division.

The Twins’ rotation will also play a key role in their success. While the offseason moves so far have focused on the bullpen and infield depth, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Minnesota make another move to bolster their starting pitching before spring training. If they can add another reliable arm to complement Joe Ryan, Pablo López, and Bailey Ober, it would further solidify their chances of contending.

There’s also the intangible factor of momentum and culture. The Twins’ front office has sent a clear message with these moves: they are serious about competing. That kind of commitment can energize a team and create a winning mentality. For a franchise that has had its ups and downs in recent years, building that culture of competitiveness is just as important as the on-field talent.

Of course, there are still questions to be answered. Will Stewart and Tonkin be able to replicate their success from 2024? Can Topa stay healthy and contribute consistently? How quickly will Yorke develop, and what kind of impact will he ultimately have? And perhaps most importantly, will the core of the Twins’ roster stay healthy and produce at the level they’re capable of?

Here’s the thing folks: The AL Central isn’t going to be handed to anyone. The Guardians’ pitching staff is formidable, and if they can find consistent offense, they will be a tough opponent. The White Sox have enough talent to bounce back if they can address their organizational issues. Even the Royals and Tigers, while long shots, have young talent that could surprise people. For the Twins, the key will be consistency. They’ve made moves to address their weaknesses, but now it’s about execution.

With that… It’s definitely exciting to think about how these offseason moves could shape the 2025 season. The Twins are clearly positioning themselves to be more than just a team that competes; they want to be a team that wins. With the combination of new bullpen arms, a solid trade return, and a commitment to developing young talent, they have the pieces to be a contender. Now it’s up to the players and coaching staff to make it all come together.

If you cannot play with them, then root for them!

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