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Did you ever want to read a “blast from the past” article of former Twins players that were or still are on the free agent market this off-season? Well if you did, you’ve found the right place! If you didn’t, you clicked on the wrong article, but I strongly encourage you to read on because what better things do you have to do today? We’ll talk about our favorite former Twins players – 30 of them, in fact! – that didn’t have teams after the 2018 season and found new homes (or not) as well as some “super-in-depth analysis” of their time since they parted ways with our local nine. We’ll start with the most recent players to play with Twins (and this list will only include players who saw major-league time with the Twins).
Zach Duke, RP (2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (1 yr/$2.15 million)
Left Twins: traded to Seattle Mariners (Chase De Jong, Ryan Costello)
Where is he now? Cincinnati Reds (1 yr/$2 million)
Duke was a Christmas Day present after the 2017 season as news broke on December 25 that he and the Twins agreed on a contract with it being formally announced on December 26. He went on to pitch in 45 games of 3.62 ERA in 37.1 innings, allowing 15 earned runs and no home runs. The Twins traded him to the Seattle Mariners where he pitched in 27 games, posting a 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings, allowing 9 earned runs and one homer. He’s going to be wearing some super-sexy throwback unis this season as he signed a one-year deal with the Reds.
Lance Lynn, SP (2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (1 yr/$12 million)
Left Twins: traded to New York Yankees (Tyler Austin, Luis Rijo)
Where is he now? Texas Rangers (3 yrs/$30 million)
Lynn joined the Twins almost a month into Spring Training last year, and he probably could have stayed there, to be honest. He started 20 games for the Twins, going 7-8 with a 5.10 ERA, 102.1 innings pitched, 58 earned runs, and a WHIP of 1.632. The Twins traded him to the Evil Pinstripes at the trade deadline this past season, where he put up a 4.14 ERA in 11 appearances (9 starts) and 54.1 innings. He inked a three-year deal with the Rangers in mid-December.
Logan Forsythe, INF (2018)
Joined Twins: traded from Los Angeles Dodgers (with Luke Raley and Devin Smeltzer for Brian Dozier)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Texas Rangers (minors deal)
When trading Dozier, the Twins needed someone to help man the infield for the rest of the disappointing 2018 campaign, and Forsythe was the answer. He played 50 games for the Twins, batting a slash of .258/.356/.292 with 14 RBIs. Forsythe recently signed a minors deal with the Rangers.
Logan Morrison, 1B/DH (2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (1 yr/$5.5 million)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Unsigned
Morrison was also a late free agent signing last year, playing in 95 games and batting .186/.276/.368 with 15 homers. He realized in August that he had hip issues for months and was shut down for the season. He currently sits unsigned in purgatory free agency.
Gregorio Petit, INF (2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Philadelphia Phillies (minors deal)
Petit signed a minors deal with the Twins last off-season and was in the minors before being called up to take Morrison’s spot on the roster for the rest of the season, playing all over the field. He signed a minors deal with the Phillies this offseason.
Bobby Wilson, C (2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: traded to Chicago Cubs (Chris Gimenez and cash/PTBNL)
Where is he now? Detroit Tigers (minors deal)
Wilson was signed as depth at the catcher position last offseason and was much needed with Jason Castro missing most of the season. He played in 47 games backing up Mitch Garver and was traded to the Cubs while on the injured list so the Twins could be reunited with Gimenez. He inked a minors deal with the Tigers this offseason, so maybe we’ll see him again!
Chris Gimenez, C/P (2017, 2018)
Joined Twins: in 2017 via free agency, in 2018 traded from Chicago Cubs (Bobby Wilson)
Left Twins: in 2017 via free agency, retired after 2018 season
Where is he now? Retired
Since we’re on the topic, here he is. He backed Castro up in 2017 for the Twins and then was on the free agent market, where he signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. He only played in 12 games for the Cubs before being traded to the Twins in August of last year. Gimenez will be remembered as a great mound presence when the Twins’ bullpen felt like getting shellacked: in 7 appearances across two years for the Twins, he pitched to a 13.50 ERA in six innings, notching one strikeout and allowing three homers. He also took over catching duties after Mauer’s last time behind the plate last year. Gimenez is now retired and was brought on as a game-planning coach for the Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers.
Matt Belisle, RP (2017, 2018)
Joined Twins: in 2017 via free agency, in 2018 via free agency (after being released by Cleveland Indians)
Left Twins: via free agency (both years)
Where is he now? Unsigned
I don’t really like Belisle after the Twins picked him up this past year for some reason, and then let him continue pitching game after game. His ERA was 9.13 in 25 appearances with the Twins last year after 8 appearances of 5.06 ERA ball with the Indians. I’m going to leave it at that. He threw the last pitch that Mauer caught in his career and then promptly gave up a hit. At age 38, he is currently still unsigned in free agency.
Robbie Grossman, OF (2016-2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: non-tendered
Where is he now? Oakland Athletics (1 year/$2 million)
Grossman no doubt hustled and gave his best during his years with the Twins, but it wasn’t enough as he was non-tendered by the Twins after the 2018 campaign. The A’s signed this dry-blanket player this offseason on a one-year deal.
Ervin Santana, SP (2015-2018)
Joined Twins: via free agency (4 years/$55 million)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Chicago White Sox (minors deal)
Santana’s time with the Twins started with a suspension due to testing positive for PEDs, but he followed up with two great years of pitching, including an All-Star season in 2017. He pitched a few games for the Twins in 2018 (five starts to be exact) after having surgery on one of his fingers and was not able to bounce back. The Twins declined his option and Santana signed with the White Sox on a minor-league deal for this upcoming season.
Brian Dozier, 2B (2012-2018)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2009)
Left Twins: traded to Los Angeles Dodgers (Logan Forsythe, Luke Raley, Devin Smeltzer)
Where is he now? Washington Nationals (1 year/$9 million)
One of the first homegrown Twins players on this list was a fan-favorite; Dozier was traded to Dodgers at the trade deadline this past season, where he hit .182/.300/.350 in 47 games. He went with the Dodgers to the playoffs, going 2-16, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 1 SB. In the off-season Dozier signed on with the Nationals for one year.
Eduardo Escobar, INF (2012-2018)
Joined Twins: traded from Chicago White Sox (with Pedro Hernandez, for Francisco Liriano)
Left Twins: traded to Arizona Diamondbacks (Jhoan Duran, Ernie De La Trinidad, Gabriel Maciel)
Where is he now? Arizona Diamondbacks (3 years/$21 million)
Fogo de Chão’s biggest client put a warning out to the Scottsdale, Ariz., location partway through the 2018 campaign as he was deal to the Diamondbacks to help with their post-season push. There were some rumblings that the Twins were interested in bringing back Escobar for 2019, but the D-backs caught him quick, signing him to a three-year pact.
Joe Mauer, C/1B (2004-2018)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2001)
Left Twins: Retirement
Where is he now? Retirement
I don’t think I have to explain much here, unless you woke up out of a long-term coma. He likes milk and his number is getting retired this season. $23 million/year – you mad, bro?
Bartolo Colon, SP (2017)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Unsigned
Big Sexy signed with the Twins in July of 2017 and turned in a 5-6 record with 5.18 ERA and 46 earned runs. After his short stint with the Twins to finish off the year, he signed with the Texas Rangers and provided them with 28 appearances (24 starts), a 5.78 ERA, 146.1 innings, and 94 ERs. The winningest Dominican pitcher is currently sitting in free agency unsigned.
Hector Santiago, SP (2016-2017)
Joined Twins: traded from Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (with Alan Busenitz, for Alex Meyer, Ricky Nolasco, and cold, hard cash)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? New York Mets (minors deal)
Santiago came to the Twins via trade in August 2016. A year and change with the Twins yielded not super-exciting results and Santiago signed with his former team – the Chicago White Sox – mostly working out of the bullpen in 49 total appearances. He’s with the Mets on a minors deal for this season.
Fernando Abad, RP (2016)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: traded to Boston Red Sox (Pat Light)
Where is he now? San Francisco Giants (minors deal)
Break out your A-bad puns again! Abad was called upon 39 times for the Twins in 2016 and didn’t too A-bad, keeping lefties off the bases most of the time. The Red Sox loved him so much, they sent Pat Light to the Twins in return. Abad stayed on with the Red Sox for one more season, showing up in 48 games of 3.30 ERA ball, pitching 43.2 innings, and even notching a save. The Red Sox said, “Too A-bad, you’re a free agent now,” and the Philadelphia Phillies signed him to a minor-league deal. Abad did not see the majors last season and he signed with the Giants this off-season on, again, a minor-league deal.
Ricky Nolasco, SP (2014-2016)
Joined Twins: via free agency (4 years/$49 million)
Left Twins: traded to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (with Alex Meyer and cash, for Alan Busenitz and Hector Santiago)
Where is he now? Arizona Diamondbacks (minors deal)
Nolasco turned in a poopy 2014, an injury-shortened 2015, and a less-than-ideal start to the 2016 season for the Twins. For some reason, the Angels were all, “Yeah we’ll take him off your hands,” and he kinda turned it around for a little bit with the Angels. He signed a minors deal with the Diamondbacks.
Kurt Suzuki, C (2014-2016)
Joined Twins: via free agency (1 year/$2.75 million)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Washington Nationals (2 years/$10 million)
Our local ballclub found Suzuki after the decision was made to move Mauer out from behind the plate. After Suzuki’s great 2014 season (an All-Star season, at that), the Twins signed a two-year extension with the veteran catcher, which yielded two seasons that weren’t as great as 2014. He hit free agency, signing with the Atlanta Braves for 2017 (81 games, .283/.351/.536, 19 homers, 50 RBI) and then agreeing on an extension for 2018 (105 games, .271/.332/.444, 12 homers, 50 RBI). He again hit the free agent market, signing with the Nationals and joining our good friend Dozier.
Tommy Milone, SP (2014-2016)
Joined Twins: traded from Oakland Athletics (Sam Fuld)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Seattle Mariners (minors deal)
Mommy Tilone was with the Nationals and Athletics before being traded to the Twins for Sam Fuld in 2014. Milone turned in a great 2015 season and then everything kinda just unraveled from there. He was cut from the 40-man roster after the 2016 season and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year deal. He then was DFA’d early in the season and claimed by the New York Mets. Since leaving Minnesota, he’s put up a 6.99 ERA in 22 appearances (12 starts) over 74.2 innings pitched, allowing 22 homers and fanning 61 batters. He is now with the Mariners on a minor-league deal.
Trevor Plouffe, INF (2010-2016)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2004)
Left Twins: outrighted to free agency
Where is he now? Philadelphia Phillies (minors deal)
Another homegrown player from the Twins system, Plooooooooouffe spent seven season in the majors with the big-league club until he was outrighted before his last year of arbitration after the 2016 season. He landed with Oakland on a one-year deal and then was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, ending his season there (100 games total, .198/.272/.31, 9 HR, 19 RBI). He joined free agency after the 2017 season and signed with the Texas Rangers, was granted his release a few months later, then joined the Phillies on a minor-league deal, playing in seven major-league games, going 3-12, HR, 3 RBI. He joined free agency again to sign another minor-league deal with the Phillies this season.
Blaine Boyer, RP (2015)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? Unsigned
Drafted by Atlanta Braves. Traded to St. Louis Cardinals. Claimed off of waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mets, Pirates, Cardinals (again), retired, Japan, Royals, Padres, Twins, Brewers, Braves (again), Red Sox, Royals (again). That has been the life of Blaine Boyer so far. His time as a Twins player was a great year: 2.49 ERA in 68 games and 65 innings, 18 ER, 33 K, 1 SV. The last three years, he’s been in 114 games with a 5.44 ERA, 129 IP, 68 K. He’s unsigned right now in the free agent market.
Shane Robinson, OF (2015)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: outrighted to free agency
Where is he now? Philadelphia Phillies (minors deal)
Since Robinson’s “meh” season with the Twins, he’s seen time with the Angels and the New York Yankees, showing up in 110 games and batting .169/.244/.225 with two homers and 13 RBIs. He’s now with the Phillies this season on a minor-league deal.
Chris Herrmann, C (2012-2015)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2009)
Left Twins: traded to Arizona Diamondbacks (Daniel Palka)
Where is he now? Oakland Athletics (1 year/$1 million)
Herrmann not only caught with the Twins, but also was flexible by playing the outfield and first base when needed. He continued that flexibility after being traded to the Diamondbacks as well as during his time with the Seattle Mariners last year. Since leaving the Twins, Herrmann has played in 198 games, swinging for a slash of .224/.307/.407, hitting 18 dongs and notching 62 RBIs. He signed with Oakland this off-season on a one-year major-league deal.
Drew Butera, C (2010-2013)
Joined Twins: traded from New York Mets (with Dustin Martin for Luis Castillo)
Left Twins: traded to Los Angeles Dodgers (PTBNL)
Where is he now? Philadelphia Phillies (minors deal)
Sweet Drew has been a pretty good trade piece during his career. The Dodgers traded Butera to their cross-town rivals in the 2014-2015 off-season. The Angels then traded him early in the 2015 season to the Royals. He then was traded to the Colorado Rockies late in the season last year and has now signed on with the Philadelphia Phillies on a minor-league deal. Since leaving the Twins, he’s pitched in five games with an ERA of 10.80 over 3.1 innings, striking out three batters.
Danny Valencia, 3B (2010-2012)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2006)
Left Twins: traded to Boston Red Sox (Jeremias Pineda)
Where is he now? Unsigned
After his time with the Twins, Valencia was also a pretty good trade piece for teams. After being with Boston, he went to the Orioles. He was then dealt to Kansas City, then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, then selected off waivers by Oakland, where he fought Billy Butler. He was traded to Seattle and then signed as a free agent with Baltimore again. Valencia has betted .274/.327/.445 since leaving the Twins, hitting 71 homers with 265 RBI. He’s landed in free agency and is currently not signed with any team.
Denard Span, OF (2008-2012)
Joined Twins: MLB Draft (2002)
Left Twins: traded to Washington Nationals (Alex Meyer)
Where is he now? Unsigned
The last person on this list that has a connection to a trade involving Alex Meyer, Span has seen multi-season stints with Washington (.292/.345/.404, 14 HR, 106 RBI) and the San Francisco Giants (.268/.330/.402, 23 HR, 96 RBI), where Ervin Santana hit a double to him when the Twins played at AT&T Park. He split last year between the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners, hitting .261/.341/.419 with 11 homers and 58 RBI. He’s currently unsigned, but rumors have it that teams are becoming interested in him.
Rene Rivera, C (2011)
Joined Twins: via free agency (minors deal)
Left Twins: via free agency
Where is he now? San Francisco Giants (minors deal)
Rivera has seen time with the Padres, Rays, Mets, Cubs, Angels, and Braves since he parted ways with the Twins. His batting stats are nothing to write home about, but he has served as veteran organizational depth the past couple of seasons. He’s signed on with the Giants on a minor-league pact for this upcoming season.
Francisco Liriano, SP (2005-2011)
Joined Twins: traded from San Francisco Giants (with Joe Nathan and Boof Bonser for A.J. Pierzynski)
Left Twins: traded to Chicago White Sox (Eduardo Escobar, Pedro Hernandez)
Where is he now? Pittsburgh Pirates (minors deal)
After his short stint with the White Sox, Liriano saw time with the Pirates for three-plus seasons (3.67 ERA, 107 starts, 623.2 IP, 659 K), the Toronto Blue Jays for parts of two season (4.77 ERA, 26 starts, 132 IP, 126 K), the 2017 World Series Champions Houston Astros (4.40 ERA, 20 games, 14.1 IP, 11 K), and the Detroit Tigers (4.58 ERA, 27 games, 133.2 IP, 110 K). He’s laded with the Pirates again this offseason on a minor-league deal.
Wilson Ramos, C (2010)
Joined Twins: non-drafted free agent (2004)
Left Twins: traded to Washington Nationals (with Joe Testa for Matt Capps)
Where is he now? New York Mets (2 years/$19 million)
After landing with and finishing the 2010 season with Washington, Ramos went on to play six more season with the Nationals (.268/.313/.430, 83 HR, 320 RBI), earning a trip to the All-Star Game in 2016 and winning the Silver Slugger award among National League catchers. He then signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and was traded at the trade deadline last year to the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s signed a two-year deal with the Mets.
Carlos Gomez, OF (2008-2009)
Joined Twins: traded from the New York Mets (with Deolis Guerra, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey; for Johan Santana)
Left Twins: traded to Milwaukee Brewers (J.J. Hardy)
Where is he now? Unsigned New York Mets (minors deal)
Gomez is the last on this list, and the only one that left before 2010. He’s 33 now! How time flies… He’s seen five-plus seasons with Milwaukee, parts of two seasons with the Houston Astros, one-plus seasons with Texas, and spent last season with the Rays. He’s been known to start some on-field altercations and was suspended for three games at one point. He’s hit for the cycle two times in his career and his hit a grand slam twice in one season against the Mariners – one time with the Astros and one time with the Rangers, only the fourth player to do so in MLB history. He’s currently unsigned in free agency. EDIT: Gomez and the Mets have agreed to minor-league deal as of today (3/1). Thanks, Matt!
Were there any surprises? Is there anyone on this list that you think the Twins should sign? Chat about it in the comments!