Twins Identified as Top Suitors for Three Unremarkable Free Agents
The Minnesota Twins are looking ahead to the offseason with important decisions on potential free agent signings. MLB expert Jim Bowden has identified three free agents deemed suitable fits for the Twins, although these prospects come with some reservations.
Potential Free Agents for the Twins
- Trent Grisham
- Ryan O’Hearn
- Nick Martinez
Trent Grisham
Trent Grisham, a 29-year-old outfielder, is considered a left-handed bat useful primarily as a platoon player against right-handers. Having started his MLB career in 2019 with the Milwaukee Brewers, he spent four years with the San Diego Padres before moving to the New York Yankees.
During his career, Grisham has only exceeded a .250 batting average once, achieving this in 2020. His recent performance showed improvement, concluding the 2025 season with a .235/.348/.464 slash line, hitting a career-high 34 home runs and driving in 74 runs. Despite this resurgence, Bowden predicts he could command a two-year contract worth $30 million, an amount potentially beyond the Twins’ budget.
Ryan O’Hearn
Ryan O’Hearn, 32, played for both the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres in 2025. He finished the season with a .281 batting average, hitting 17 home runs and accumulating 63 RBIs. However, his statistics dropped after his trade to San Diego.
In 94 games with Baltimore, he hit 13 home runs and maintained a .463 slugging percentage. However, in just 50 games with the Padres, O’Hearn managed only four home runs with a much lower slugging percentage. Bowden estimates that O’Hearn, a first-time free agent, may seek a two-year deal valued at around $24 million, potentially making him one of the higher-paid players on the roster.
Nick Martinez
Veteran pitcher Nick Martinez, aged 35, is set to enter his ninth MLB season. In 2025, he appeared in 26 games as a starter and 14 in relief for the Cincinnati Reds, concluding the year with a 4.45 ERA, the highest since his 2017 season. Martinez has experience pitching in Japan during a four-year stint after his time with the Texas Rangers.
Bowden suggests that Martinez’s optimal role moving forward may be as a long reliever or spot starter. After earning $21 million last season, he may need to accept a significant pay cut, with projections estimating a one-year deal valued at $11 million, a figure likely higher than the Twins’ recent signings.
Conclusion
The Twins are presented with intriguing options in this offseason’s free-agent market. While Grisham, O’Hearn, and Martinez could fill roles on the team, the financial commitments required pose a challenge. As the Twins prepare for the upcoming season, careful considerations will determine their direction in free agent signings.
