Locked On Twins - Daily Podcast On The Minnesota Twins

SHAKEUP: Will Minnesota Twins GM Jeremy Zoll Make a SPLASH Signing Before Spring Training

·35 min·3 clips

New Twins GM Jeremy Zoll could make a statement signing—what realistic move would define his era?

This episode analyzes the potential for new Minnesota Twins General Manager Jeremy Zoll to make a significant roster move before spring training begins. Host CJ Baumgartner examines Zoll's background and the circumstances following the departure of former president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. The discussion centers on whether Zoll has a mandate from ownership to make a splash and what realistic options remain in a slow market. Baumgartner explores free agent pitcher Framber Valdez, noting his ERA near 3.00 and the draft pick compensation attached via the qualifying offer. He mentions a past incident where Valdez intentionally threw a wrong pitch to a catcher, possibly impacting team fit. Lucas Giolito is presented as another starting pitcher option, referencing his past with the White Sox, Padres, and Red Sox. The host also considers outfielder Starling Marte, citing his 111 OPS+ last season with the Mets, though his age and the Twins' outfield prospects are noted concerns. An interesting insight is the argument that spending on an external pitcher might be less optimal than extending current starters like Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan. Baumgartner suggests the Twins' greater need is improving hitter development for players like Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner, an area where Zoll's background could make an impact. He highlights that Zoll, at 34, was Falvey's right-hand man and led negotiations for moves like the Sonny Gray trade. The analysis points out Zoll lacks an experienced counterpart like Thad Levine to guide him, unlike Falvey's early setup. Baumgartner connects Falvey's firing directly to new majority owner Tom Polad's arrival, suggesting it represents a break from the organization's historical preference for continuity. He speculates the new minority ownership group's investment prevented a firesale of players like Byron Buxton. The tone is conversational and speculative, blending roster analysis with organizational commentary. This episode would appeal to Twins fans seeking a deep dive on the new GM's potential influence and remaining offseason possibilities. Listeners wanting only game recaps or guaranteed transaction news might find it too hypothetical.

As heard by us

A clear early read on whether Jeremy Zoll can push the Twins into a real offseason move.

Jeremy Zoll's arrival at the Twins front office is the spine of this episode, and the discussion keeps returning to the same question: how much can he really change before spring training?

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Why you'd press play

If you want a sober look at Jeremy Zoll's first Twins offseason, start here.

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