Fansided

One offseason move each MLB team needs to make

By Joshua Sadlock

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 01: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 01: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins watches his first inning home run against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins watches his first inning home run against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Twins: Extend Brian Dozier

Fluky or not, the Twins went back to the playoffs this year. This year’s team went one step further than the 2015 squad that missed the postseason by a few games. Do the Twins have what it takes to sustain a winning club, or will they slide back down like 2016? A full slide all the way down to last place is unlikely, but the Twins are still on shaky ground.

Minnesota needs to address deficiencies in the starting rotation. Bartolo Colon, Dillon Gee and Kyle Gibson were starting crucial games in a pennant race for God’s sake. This year’s free-agent class just does not offer any huge upgrades. Jason Vargas coming over from Kansas City and continuing to pitch in the AL Central with its pitcher-friendly parks makes sense for the Twins.

Without a ton of money to throw around on starting pitching, the Twins will likely only make a minor move in that regard. After adding a starter, the front office should focus its attention on getting an extension done for All-Star second baseman Brian Dozier. The 30-year-old proved this year that his 42-homer year in 2016 was not a fluke with 34 more home runs and a solid .269/.357/.496 slash line.

Dozier’s current contract is set to expire after next season. He has earned much more than his last deal for four years and $20 million. Dozier should at least triple that $20 million over four more years.

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