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.

Infielder Kyle Farmer and outfielder Manuel Margot have both become free agents after the Minnesota Twins declined their options for 2025. Farmer will receive a $250,000 buyout instead of a $6.25 million salary, completing a one-year contract worth $6.3 million.

Farmer struggled this season, posting a career-low .214 batting average, while Margot had a .238 average. Margot's contract included a $12 million mutual option and a $2 million buyout, with part of his salary deferred.

The Minnesota Twins enter the offseason facing significant decisions regarding free agents, arbitration-eligible players, and potential trades. Key free agents include Max Kepler and Carlos Santana, the latter having had a standout season. With a payroll commitment of approximately $126 million, the Twins must navigate limited flexibility while aiming to rebound from a disappointing end to the previous season.

They will likely decline options for players like Kyle Farmer and Manuel Margot, while arbitration-eligible players such as Willi Castro and Bailey Ober could command substantial salaries. Additionally, the Twins may explore trades for Chris Paddack and Christian Vázquez as they seek to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

The Texas Rangers face a challenging offseason as they look to strengthen their lineup while staying under the competitive balance tax threshold. While stars like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso would enhance their offense, these players are considered more of a luxury than a necessity.

The Rangers' primary needs include better fastball hitters, veteran outfield depth, and a designated hitter option. With a limited budget, they may explore bargain options like Randall Grichuk, Eloy Jiménez, Adam Duvall, Tommy Pham, and Manuel Margot to fill these gaps.