Twins’ Slow-Playing the Offseason Tests Fans — but History Suggests Waiting Isn’t Pointless

One of the most familiar—and frustrating—winter traditions for Minnesota Twins fans is watching the calendar flip to January while the roster still feels unfinished. Other teams make headline-grabbing moves in December. The Twins, under Derek Falvey, usually wait.

That patience can feel maddening, especially after a quiet Winter Meetings period. But recent history shows there is a method behind the madness—even if it doesn’t always lead to the same results.

Looking back at the last few offseasons offers an important reminder: impactful additions don’t always come early, and value can still be found after the initial free-agent frenzy dies down.

2024–25 Offseason: Waiting Worked

Last winter may be the clearest example of Falvey’s approach paying off.

None of the Twins’ three notable free-agent signings came until February, yet Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, and Ty France all provided meaningful contributions.

Bader exceeded expectations. Brought in with modest offensive hopes, he delivered a 113 OPS+ while continuing to play elite defense. His shift from center field to a corner spot stabilized the outfield and made the defense better overall.

Coulombe, signed for just $3 million, gave the bullpen a veteran left-handed arm and reliably bridged the gap to the late innings.

France struggled offensively (87 OPS+), but his defense at first base was exceptional—culminating in a Gold Glove. Waiting didn’t hurt the Twins last winter. In several ways, it helped.

2023–24 Offseason: Mixed Results, Same Timeline

The 2023–24 offseason followed a similar pace, though the results were more uneven.

The Twins technically got started in late December by signing reliever Josh Staumont, but the offseason truly took shape at the end of January with the Jorge Polanco trade to Seattle. That deal is still being evaluated through the long-term lens of Gabriel Gonzalez’s development, while Justin Topa could yet prove valuable—especially if the Twins don’t add more bullpen help.

February brought Carlos Santana and Jay Jackson. Staumont and Jackson provided little value, but Santana eventually found his footing. After a slow start at the plate, he finished with a 109 OPS+ and delivered one of the best defensive seasons at first base in team history, earning another Gold Glove.

The late timing didn’t guarantee success, but it allowed the Twins to fill needs without locking themselves into risky early commitments.

2022–23 Offseason: Acting Early Didn’t Help

The biggest outlier came in the 2022–23 offseason, when the Twins acted aggressively.

They signed Christian Vázquez (three years) and Joey Gallo (one year) in December. Then came the unexpected twist in early January, when Carlos Correa became available again after failed physicals elsewhere. Minnesota pounced, reshaping the roster well before spring training. Even so, they still made a late addition, signing Donovan Solano in late February.

In hindsight, that aggressive approach didn’t produce better outcomes.

Gallo became unplayable by season’s end, posting a .686 OPS in the second half. Vázquez brought defensive value but saw his offense crater (60 OPS+). Correa’s contract has since been offloaded, with the Twins now paying $10 million per year for him to play in Houston over the next three seasons.

Moving early didn’t protect the Twins from risk—or disappointment.

What This Means for the Current Offseason

So what does all of this say about the current Twins offseason?

It means that silence in early January doesn’t automatically signal failure. Falvey’s front office has consistently shown a willingness to wait out the market, target specific fits, and strike when prices and roles align.

That approach has tested fans’ patience more than once—but it has also delivered real value, particularly in recent years.

Patience doesn’t guarantee success, and it doesn’t eliminate the need for meaningful upgrades. But history suggests the Twins are comfortable letting the board come to them.

As February approaches, the takeaway from recent winters is simple:
The offseason isn’t over yet—even if it feels like it’s dragging on forever.

Will the Twins make meaningful additions in the coming weeks? That remains the question. But if the past is any guide, the waiting may not be for nothing.