Where Will Harrison Bader, Willi Castro, and Danny Coulombe Sign This Offseason?

The Minnesota Twins sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball last July when they initiated a dramatic trade-deadline fire sale, moving no fewer than 10 players from their big-league roster. What initially appeared to be a shocking pivot quickly revealed itself as a strategic reset, one that reshaped the organization’s short-term and long-term outlook.

Among the players dealt were cornerstone names such as shortstop Carlos Correa and a collection of high-leverage bullpen arms, including Jhoan Durán, Louis Varland, Griffin Jax, and Brock Stewart. All five of those players remain under contract with their new teams, locking them into stable roles heading into the 2026 season.

However, the other five players moved by Minnesota at the deadline are now navigating MLB free agency. As the offseason unfolds, several former Twins are drawing interest from contenders and rebuilding teams alike. In this article, we will take a deep dive into three of those free agents—Harrison Bader, Willi Castro, and Danny Coulombe—and predict where each might land this winter.

The Context: Minnesota’s Trade-Deadline Reset

The Twins’ decision to dismantle much of their roster last July was not made lightly. After an inconsistent first half and concerns about sustainability, the front office chose to prioritize flexibility, prospects, and payroll relief. While painful for fans, the moves positioned Minnesota to retool quickly rather than languish in mediocrity.

Several veterans acquired at low cost performed well enough to increase their trade value, and the front office capitalized. Now, with free agency underway, the Twins may even consider reunions with certain players—particularly those who fit organizational needs or could become future trade assets.

With that context in mind, let’s examine the potential destinations for three notable former Twins.

Harrison Bader: A Veteran Defensive Anchor with Offensive Upside

Predicted Destination: Detroit Tigers

Harrison Bader enters free agency as one of the more intriguing outfield options on the market. Known primarily for his elite defense, speed, and postseason experience, Bader also demonstrated meaningful offensive improvement over the past season.

The Twins signed Bader last offseason to a one-year, $6.25 million deal that included a mutual option for 2026. At the time, the contract was viewed as a low-risk gamble. Instead, Bader exceeded expectations.

In his short tenure with Minnesota, Bader posted 2.7 bWAR while slashing .258/.339/.439 with a 113 OPS+. He played outstanding defense in left field and occasionally shifted to center field to give 2025 Silver Slugger Award winner Byron Buxton much-needed rest.

At the trade deadline, Minnesota sent Bader to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for outfielder Hendry Mendez and right-hander Geremy Villoria. After the season, Bader declined his mutual option, officially re-entering the free-agent market.

With Philadelphia, Bader was even better offensively, hitting .305/.361/.463 with five home runs across 50 games. Though he suffered a groin injury during the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his overall performance reaffirmed his value.

Why Detroit Makes Sense

The Detroit Tigers already have a promising young center fielder in Parker Meadows, but they lack a proven veteran presence in the outfield. Bader would provide stability, leadership, and defensive excellence while allowing Meadows flexibility to shift roles or avoid overexposure.

According to reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Bader is seeking a three-year contract, a timeline that aligns well with Detroit’s competitive window. As a division rival of the Twins, the Tigers also have firsthand knowledge of Bader’s impact.

For a team looking to take the next step toward contention, Bader represents a perfect blend of reliability and upside.

Willi Castro: The Ultimate Utility Weapon

Predicted Destination: Atlanta Braves

Few players in baseball offer the versatility that Willi Castro brings to the table. A true utilityman, Castro has played nearly every position on the diamond, excluding catcher and pitcher. While he has yet to log innings at first base, his athleticism suggests he could handle the role if needed.

Castro was traded by the Twins to the Chicago Cubs on July 31, 2025, in exchange for pitching prospects Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong. Though his time with Chicago was relatively brief, his reputation around the league as a dependable, switch-hitting utility option remains strong.

In early December, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported that the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Colorado Rockies had expressed interest in Castro.

Why Atlanta Is the Best Fit

The Braves were ravaged by injuries last season, particularly among their position players. That experience likely reinforced the importance of depth and flexibility within the roster.

Castro is uniquely qualified to fill that need. He can competently cover the infield and outfield, offer switch-hitting balance off the bench, and step into an everyday role if injuries strike again.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Castro is projected to sign a two-year, $14 million contract, a reasonable investment for a team with championship aspirations. Atlanta’s roster construction, payroll capacity, and need for positional insurance make them an ideal landing spot.

For Castro, joining a perennial contender like the Braves would also provide the opportunity to contribute meaningfully on a big stage.

Danny Coulombe: A Familiar Answer to a Familiar Problem

Predicted Destination: Minnesota Twins

Of the three players discussed, Danny Coulombe may be the most logical candidate for a reunion with Minnesota.

The Twins’ bullpen struggled mightily after the trade deadline last season, exposing a critical weakness that must be addressed if the team hopes to compete in 2026. While President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey has already acquired right-handed reliever Eric Orze, more reinforcements are necessary.

Currently, Kody Funderburk is the only left-handed reliever projected for Minnesota’s bullpen. That imbalance alone makes Coulombe an appealing option.

A Proven Track Record in Minnesota

The Twins signed Coulombe last offseason to a one-year, $3 million deal, and the results were outstanding. Before being traded, the 36-year-old lefty posted a dominant 1.16 ERA, striking out 31 batters while walking just nine across 31 innings.

Minnesota traded Coulombe to the Texas Rangers on July 31 for left-handed pitching prospect Garett Horn. Unfortunately, Coulombe’s time in Texas was disrupted by injuries, including left shoulder fatigue. He had also previously missed time with Minnesota due to a left forearm extensor strain.

Despite those setbacks, Coulombe remains effective when healthy, particularly against left-handed hitters.

Why a Reunion Makes Sense

From Minnesota’s perspective, Coulombe represents both immediate help and potential future value. If the Twins are competitive, he strengthens the bullpen. If they fall out of contention, Coulombe becomes an attractive trade chip at the deadline—assuming good health and production.

For Coulombe, returning to a familiar environment where he previously thrived could be the best path to maximizing the final chapters of his career.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Fits Across the League

As MLB free agency continues to unfold, former Twins players are finding themselves in advantageous positions. Harrison Bader’s all-around skill set makes him a strong fit for an emerging Tigers team. Willi Castro’s versatility could prove invaluable to a Braves squad with championship ambitions. Danny Coulombe, meanwhile, may be the answer to Minnesota’s persistent bullpen woes.

Whether through reunions or fresh starts, all three players are poised to play meaningful roles in 2026. Their eventual destinations will not only shape their individual careers but could also influence the competitive balance across the American and National Leagues.

The Twins’ fire sale may have marked the end of one chapter—but for Bader, Castro, and Coulombe, the next chapter is just beginning.