Twins expect to reduce payroll in 2024

The Minnesota Twins are expecting to have a reduced payroll for 2024 because of the loss of the Diamond Sports Group TV contract that allowed them to spend a franchise-record $156 million last season.

"We've pushed our payroll to heights that we had never pushed it before with the support, certainly, of ownership. We know there is some natural ebb and flow to that," president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told the Star Tribune's Bobby Nighengale.

"Will it be where it was last year? I don't expect that. I expect it less than that."

While an exact number isn't known, it appears the Twins' payroll could sit in the range of $125 million to $140 million, sources told The Athletic's Dan Hayes.

The Diamond Sports Group TV deal brought in $54.8 million for the Twins this year. That money helped allow them to significantly increase payroll and re-sign star shortstop Carlos Correa.

Falvey expects the Twins, who already have $125 million committed to next season's roster, to focus on adding complementary players in free agency while relying on younger players from their farm system to fill gaps.

The executive mentioned more playing time for Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Edouard Julien, and referred to Brooks Lee, Yunior Severino, and Austin Martin as players who could provide depth.

"Some offseasons prior, we walked in with a lot more openings in the starting rotation, a lot more openings in the bullpen, a lot more openings across the diamond," Falvey said. "We don't feel that way. We feel there is a good core right here that we can continue to build with."

The Twins have 13 players from last season's roster who are free agents, including AL Cy Young finalist Sonny Gray, who was recently given a qualifying offer but is expected to decline.