Inbox: What are Twins' plans for DH in 2018?
MINNEAPOLIS -- It's the last Twins Inbox of 2017, a year that saw Minnesota take a huge step forward with its run to the American League Wild Card Game after losing 103 games in '16.But there are still plenty of questions about the Twins heading into 2018, and that's the
MINNEAPOLIS -- It's the last Twins Inbox of 2017, a year that saw Minnesota take a huge step forward with its run to the American League Wild Card Game after losing 103 games in '16.
But there are still plenty of questions about the Twins heading into 2018, and that's the theme of this week's Inbox:
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Are the Twins going to roll with Grossman/Vargas as their DH next season or could they look to a Mike Napoli type bat to fill that position?
— Tim Zieroth (@Twins_guyTJZ) December 6, 2017
Twins general manager Thad Levine said at the Winter Meetings the club plans to rotate players such as
@RhettBollinger do the Twins have any interest in signing Dozier to a long term deal?
— sea3n1 (@sea3n1) December 18, 2017
It's a great question, and it's something the Twins will at least explore during Spring Training. Levine said discussing extensions with pre-arbitration-eligible players and players in the last year of their contract is something they'll get into once free agency is over.
What are the plans for Mauer, post-2018?
— Alex Miller (@Alex6Miller) December 5, 2017
It's hard to picture Mauer playing for any other team, but with his resurgence in 2017, it's going to be interesting to see what happens once his contract expires after next season. Mauer hit .305/.384/.417 with excellent defense at first base, but he will be 35 after next season.
There's a strong chance the Twins will have Sano move to first base in the near future, so if Mauer returns, it could be in a part-time role. But it's a situation that will definitely be worth monitoring.
Are the Twins considering trade scenarios this offseason or they basically only plan on signing free agents?
— Twins Brasil 🇧🇷⚾ (@TwinsBrasil) December 6, 2017
Minnesota is open-minded about trades and will at least explore opportunities and check in about pitchers, such as Pittsburgh's
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Who will be our 4th outfielder this year? Has Granite earned his place on the 25 man?
— Alex Dehmer (@alex_dehmer) December 5, 2017
With his speed, defense and ability to make contact at the plate,
Any chance the Twins actually play that series in Puerto Rico in 2018?
— Baxter P. Glanzer (@beaglebax) December 5, 2017
The word at the Winter Meetings is that the series between the Twins and Indians in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from April 17-18 is still on despite the effects of Hurricane Maria. Nothing official has been announced, however.
Rhett Bollinger has covered the Twins for MLB.com since 2011. Follow him on Twitter **@RhettBollinger** and **Facebook**.