Reports: Twins avoid arbitration with 6 of 7 eligible players

Nick Gordon and the Twins did not agree to terms.

Six of seven players on the Minnesota Twins who were eligible for arbitration reached agreements by Thursday's deadline. 

The Twins agreed to terms with relief pitchers Caleb Thielbar and Jorge Alcala, along with position players Kyle Farmer, Willi Castro, Ryan Jeffers and Alex Kirilloff. Utility man Nick Gordon was also eligible and multiple reports say he and the Twins will head to arbitration after failing to come to terms. 

The reported deals agreed upon Thursday are: 

• IF – Kyle Farmer: $6.3m
• IF/OF – Willi Castro: $3.3m
• LHP – Caleb Thielbar: $3.225m
• C – Ryan Jeffers: $2.425m
• 1B – Alex Kirilloff: $1.35m
• RHP – Jorge Alcala: $790k

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Gordon wanted $1.25 million and the Twins offered $990,000. 

In total, 23 arbitration-eligible players did not reach terms on a contract and are seemingly headed for a trial. Deals still could be worked out, either for one year or long-term. Here is the full list of players, their requested salaries and teams' requested salaries. pic.twitter.com/M3gBan7Huv

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 12, 2024

Thielbar once again figures to be Minnesota's lefty specialist in the bullpen while Alcala could have a role as a middle reliever. Jeffers is the No. 1 catcher and Kirilloff, if healthy, is expected to be the starting first baseman. Farmer and Castro are versatile utility players off the bench, though both would be suitable starter-level replacements if an opening presented. 

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Sep 18, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Alex Kirilloff (19) reacts with third base coach Tommy Watkins (40) after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park / Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports