5 Twins who are now free agents ft. Carlos Santana, Max Kepler

The Minnesota Twins officially have five players who are available to sign with other teams. Be it because of a declined option or the expiration of a contract, the team has a few positions it needs to look at before the start of the 2025 season.

Things didn't go according to plan for the Twins in 2024. They entered as the defending division champions but lost that crown to the Cleveland Guardians. They were in contention for a playoff spot until the final week, but they faded down the stretch.

Aside from the record-setting Chicago White Sox, all Central Division teams were in contention, but the Twins were the only other one to miss out on the postseason. Here's who could be leaving them.

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Twins who have officially entered free agency

5) RHP Anthony DeSclafani

Anthony DeSclafani is a free agent (Imagn)

Anthony DeSclafani's contract with the Twins came to an end after the 2024 season. He spent the entire campaign hurt and did not pitch because of forearm flexor tendon surgery in March. He last played in 2023 for the San Francisco Giants and will probably look to reset his value on the market after a lost season.

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4) OF Max Kepler

Max Kepler is a free agent (Imagn)

Max Kepler's contract with the Twins, the only team he's been with during his 10-year MLB career, has expired. He could play elsewhere for the first time after a 1.0 bWAR season. He batted .253 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs in 368 at-bats and played solid outfield defense during the regular season.

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3) OF Manuel Margot

Manuel Margot had a rough season (Imagn)

Manuel Margot had a dismal season for the Minnesota Twins. He was worth -0.9 bWAR after being part of the Tyler Glasnow trade with the LA Dodgers. He hit just .238 with a 76 OPS+ before his contract expired and became a free agent. It was, by WAR, his worst season. It's the only time he's had a negative WAR in nine seasons.

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2) 1B Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana is a free agent now (Imagn)

Carlos Santana will be one of the biggest losses for the Twins. His defense was great en route to a 2.5 bWAR, the highest of any exiting free agent for Minnesota. His offense was also solid, with a 109 OPS+ and 23 home runs on the year. His .749 OPS was above average as well despite being one of the oldest players in the MLB last season.

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1) RHP Caleb Thielbar

Caleb Thielbar is entering free agency (Imagn)

Caleb Thielbar is another player who struggled before entering free agency. The Twins pitcher went 2-4 with a 5.32 ERA in 59 appearances. He recorded a -0.6 bWAR. Perhaps the only silver lining is that the strikeout totals were good: 53 Ks in 47.1 innings. Other than that, his numbers were subpar, so there was no extension. His contract expired and he will now begin the search for a new home.