Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Minnesota Twins are shaking things up! In a move that’s sure to spark debate, the team has snagged former Tigers utility player Ryan Kreidler off waivers, adding a versatile infielder to their roster. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just about Kreidler. The Twins are also making waves with their managerial search, and a familiar face is in the running—Nick Punto, the gritty infielder who once terrorized opponents as part of Ozzie Guillen’s ‘piranhas.’
Let’s break it down. On Wednesday, the Twins claimed 27-year-old Ryan Kreidler, who spent the past four seasons with Detroit before a brief stint with the Pirates. Kreidler, who finished the season with Class AAA Indianapolis, was designated for assignment this week, making him an intriguing low-risk, high-reward addition for Minnesota. But here’s the part most people miss: this move comes on the heels of a salary dump involving pitcher Matt Mikulski, acquired in the Carlos Correa trade. The Twins are footing a whopping $33 million of Correa’s remaining $108 million contract, which runs through 2028. Is this a smart financial play, or a risky gamble? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Now, onto the managerial race. Nick Punto, 47, is throwing his hat into the ring after serving as the San Diego Padres’ infield coach this season. Twins fans will remember Punto from his seven seasons in Minnesota (2004–2010), where he was part of a scrappy group that earned the nickname ‘piranhas.’ But he’s not the only contender. The field includes heavy hitters like Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, former Pirates manager Derek Shelton, and Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vázquez. And this is where it gets controversial: does Punto’s history with the team give him an edge, or is his lack of managerial experience a dealbreaker? Weigh in below—this debate is just heating up!
