3 Twins players who could be on the Reds radar during free agency

The Minnesota Twins' magic has run out. The Houston Astros are going back to the ALCS once again after upending the Twins in four games. After winning the AL Central, Minnesota fell to Houston in Game 4 of the ALDS on Wednesday night and now begin their offseason.

The Twins are in good shape roster-wise, but do have two team-options on the docket as well as several free agents to-be. Minnesota's roster will undoubtedly undergo some changes over the winter.

The Cincinnati Reds, who've been frequent trade partners with Minnesota in the past, may be in the market for some of the Twins upcoming free agents. Who are three Twins players who could be on the Reds radar this offseason?

1. Twins pitcher Emilio Pagán could be on the Reds radar this offseason

The Cincinnati Reds will be looking to upgrade the team's pitching staff this offseason. And while the starting rotation could benfit from an addition or two, the bullpen could certainly use an extra arm as well.

Emilio Pagán had a fine season for the Minnesota Twins this past season. The 32-year-old appeared in 66 games and owned a 2.99 ERA and 3.17 FIP. Pagán recorded 65 punch outs in just under 70 innings pitched and only saw five balls leave the yard.

Pagán isn't one to strikeout a lot of batters, but a 0.95 WHIP suggests that the right-hander keeps the walks and hits to a minimum. Pagán walked fewer than 8-percent of the batters he faced in 2023 and the opposition only hit .179.

Emilio Pagán mixes a breaking ball with a split-finger fastball in addition to his heater. Having a three-pitcher, veteran hurler coming out of the bullpen would be a tremendous get for Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds this offseason.

2. Twins pitcher Sonny Gray could be on the Reds radar this offseason

Okay, we're going there. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds should consider bringing Sonny Gray back to the Queen City this offseason. However, Reds fans need to understand that Gray is not going to come cheap.

The Reds shipped Gray out of town when the right-hander was slated to make $10-million heading into the 2022 season. Go ahead and double that number as Gray heads into free agency this winter. Gray is also likely to have a qualifying offer attached to his signing.

The starting pitching ranks are very thin this offseason. Fans saw how steep the price was for starting pitching at the trade deadline. Expect more of the same once free agncy begins. While there's Shohei Ohtani and then everybody else, Gray is one of the five best starters likely to be available this winter.

But after a season in which he's likely to finish in the Top 5 for the AL Cy Young Award, Gray is sure to cash in. Look for the former Reds hurler to sign a three-to-four year worth at least $20-million per season. Is Gray, at almost 34 years old, worth the largest free agent contract in Reds history?

I'm going to say no, but that doesn't mean that Cincinnati shouldn't at least kick the tires on a potential reunion with the three-time All-Star. Gray was 8-8 this season with a 2.79 ERA and 2.83 FIP while allowing a league-best 0.39 home runs per nine innings pitched.