Fansided

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 13: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants argues a call during the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oracle Park on August 13, 2019 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-2. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 13: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants argues a call during the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oracle Park on August 13, 2019 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-2. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Twins: Madison Bumgarner

After disappointing in 2018, the Twins came out of nowhere with a rookie manager to win 101 games in 2019 and wrested the AL Central title away from the heavily-favored Indians. Of course, the Yankees brushed off the Twins with ease in the ALDS, as is tradition, but 2019 was an incredible year for the team.

Heading into 2020, Minnesota has to be viewed as the top dogs in what is a very weak division.

The Twins have one of the best farm systems in the league and a shrewd front office. Their pop to 101 wins this year was fueled by smart signings of C.J. Cron, Nelson Cruz and Marwin Gonzalez. All three had big years and helped pace the Twins to a new MLB single-season record for home runs.

Because of their budgetary restrictions, the Twins will never be able to offer the type of massive contracts needed to land premier starting pitchers. They worked the edges of the market well to build a competent group behind Jose Berrios, but they will essentially be starting from scratch again this winter, as he is the only starter locked into a contract for next season.

Minnesota had a very strong bullpen behind their underrated rotation, and all their key relievers are back again next year.

Re-signing Jake Odorizzi is a possibility, but making a run at Madison Bumgarner would show the rest of the league that the Twins really mean business. The Twins were linked closely to the lefty before he was pulled from the trading block. The former World Series hero doesn’t seem like the type who prefers a big market, and there are plenty of outstanding options for outdoor sports in Minnesota.

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