Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers has been honored with the AL Silver Slugger award for utility players, showcasing his impressive performance at the plate this season. At 27 years old, Smith hit .258 with 13 home runs and played multiple infield positions due to team injuries.

Despite a challenging September, Smith's overall statistics reflect significant improvement compared to his previous seasons. He was one of three Rangers nominated for awards this season, alongside teammates Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.

The Minnesota Twins are looking to bounce back after a challenging season, with promising prospects like Emmanuel Rodriguez at the forefront. Rodriguez, who had a limited season due to injuries, showcased his potential with a strong batting average and on-base percentage in the minors.

Despite concerns about his passive hitting style and injury history, Twins President Derek Falvey remains optimistic about Rodriguez's future impact. The team is also exploring trade options, particularly for pitcher Chris Paddack, as they aim to enhance their roster while managing payroll constraints.

The Minnesota Twins have seen their playoff hopes dashed this September, prompting a reevaluation of their offseason strategy. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey indicated that while the team has a competitive core, significant changes are necessary.

With a projected payroll drop, the Twins may need to trade players like Christian Vázquez, Chris Paddack, and Willi Castro to adjust their roster effectively. The focus will be on balancing financial constraints with the need for improvement.

The Minnesota Twins are gearing up for an active offseason, focusing on trades rather than a rebuild. With a payroll around $130 million, they aim to reallocate funds while keeping most of their roster intact, despite recent struggles.

Top trade candidates include pitcher Chris Paddack, catcher Christian Vázquez, and utilityman Willi Castro. The Twins are considering internal options for first base, with Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien leading the charge, while exploring potential free-agent signings.

Carlos Santana, at 38 years old, has won his first Gold Glove award, recognizing him as the top defensive first baseman in the American League. This achievement comes in his 15th MLB season, where he led all AL first basemen with an impressive +14 outs above average.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised Santana's skills, placing him among the best first basemen he has encountered. Teammate Carlos Correa also highlighted Santana's impact on the infield, emphasizing his exceptional defensive contributions.