Minnesota Twins GM Jeremy Zoll didn\u2019t mention the Los Angeles Dodgers by name at the Winter Meetings. He didn\u2019t have to. With a few matter-of-fact comments about \u201crevamping the bullpen\u201d and adding a power bat, he may have quietly yanked one of the more intriguing blockbuster paths right out from under Los Angeles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Minnesota opened the offseason as a presumed seller, with Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, and Pablo L\u00f3pez all living in rumor columns. Instead, Zoll has now signaled that the Twins plan to keep that core in place and shop in the mid-tier aisle of free agency. Dan Hayes of The Athletic mentioned that they\u2019ve reportedly checked in on Ryan O\u2019Hearn,<\/a> Rhys Hoskins, and Josh Bell, with roughly $20 million to spend while they patch the \u2018pen and plug first base.\u00a0<\/p>\n Twins\u2019 offseason pivot could stall Dodgers\u2019 blockbuster trade ambitions<\/p>\n The fact that Minnesota took this opportunity is very annoying for the Dodgers, as LA made it clear all winter that they would like to add a player to their corner outfield position. Michael Conforto is now a free agent following a 2025 season where he didn\u2019t look great; Teoscar Hernandez has reportedly been available in trade talks,<\/a> however his defensive skills are trending in the wrong direction. As a result of James Outman and Andy Pages showing some flashes in small amounts, there is reason to consider their upside. And Tommy Edman is returning from an ankle injury which limits you to project him for 145 games at best anywhere.<\/p>\n The fit with a healthy Buxton, an elite defender, dangerous bat, and with his contract already in place, is nearly self-explanatory.<\/p>\n