The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran first baseman Mike Ford to a minor league deal as they navigate uncertainty at the position after Carlos Santana's departure to the Cleveland Guardians. Ford, who has played for six teams in 251 career games, adds depth to a competition led by Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for these young players to step up defensively as the Twins look to fill a significant gap on their roster.

With a payroll commitment of around $136 million for 2025, the Twins are exploring trades to free up funds for potential major league signings. Santana, who excelled last season, was a target but ultimately signed with a rival. The Twins' options are limited, with other teams aggressively pursuing first base upgrades. Both Miranda and Julien struggled offensively towards the end of the previous season, raising concerns about their readiness for the role.