MINNEAPOLIS -- As expected, the Twins tendered contracts to all six of their players eligible for arbitration before Friday's 7 p.m. CT deadline.
Infielders Eduardo Escobar and Ehire Adrianza, reliever Thomas Pressly, outfielder Robbie Grossman and right-handers Kyle Gibson and Trevor May were all tendered contracts and are eligible for raises via arbitration. The deadline to file for arbitration is Jan. 9, with figures getting exchanged on Jan. 12. But the Twins haven't gone to a hearing since 2006.
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Grossman was the most likely of the group to be non-tendered, but with his strong on-base skills and ability to serve as a part-time outfielder and designated hitter, the Twins decided to tender him a contract. Grossman hit .246/.361/.380 with nine homers and 45 RBIs in 119 games. He had the second-highest on-base percentage on the team behind Joe Mauer, but he didn't offer much power for a corner outfielder/DH.
Escobar is the lone player eligible for a third and final time, and he made $2.6 million in 2017 while enjoying a breakout season, hitting .254/.309/.449 with 21 homers and 73 RBIs in 129 games. With his versatility and surprising power, Escobar was a lock to be tendered a contract.

Gibson enjoyed an impressive second half that saw him post a 3.76 ERA in 13 starts, including 70 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings. After a 6.31 ERA in the first half and a trip to Triple-A Rochester, it looked like Gibson would be a non-tender candidate this offseason, but he pitched his way back into Minnesota's plans. Gibson made $2.9 million last year in his first year of arbitration.
Pressly's impressive stuff didn't match his numbers, as he posted a career-high 4.70 ERA with 10 homers allowed in 57 appearances. But he struck out 61 in 61 1/3 innings with his fastball averaging 96 mph to go along with a curveball and slider that have the best spin rates on the team, per Statcast™. Pressly earned $1.175 million in his first year of arbitration last year.

The Twins picked up Adrianza via waivers to compete with Danny Santana for the super-utility spot, and he performed better than expectations last season. Adrianza had his best year offensively, hitting .265/.324/.383 in 70 games, while seeing time at first base, second base, shortstop, third base and left field. Adrianza is eligible for the first time.
May is coming off Tommy John surgery that saw him miss the entire 2017 season, but is expected to be healthy in 2018. It's unclear if the Twins see him returning as a starter or a reliever, however.