Even with an epic late-season collapse last year, the Twins only spent $10.25 million in free agency with the intent of making the postseason.

However, every free agent the Twins signed this past offseason has been key to the team’s recent success. Additionally, one questionable roster decision has paid off so far despite many signs pointing toward it ending in disaster.

Here are 3 overlooked Twins moves that are already paying off in 2025

Signing outfielder Harrison Bader

Bader, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, will cost the Twins $6.25 million this year and he’s already given Minnesota $10.1 million in value, according to FanGraphs. He was expected to primarily serve as a fourth outfielder but has instead become one of the Twins’ best players this year.

Byron Buxton is the Twins’ most valuable player this year, but Bader isn’t too far behind. The former Met has shined on defense for Minnesota, collecting 8 Defensive Runs Saved (fourth-most in MLB) thus far while mostly playing left field. He has also impressed with his bat, posting a .290/.383/.460 slash line with four home runs and four stolen bases.

Slotting right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack into the rotation

Minnesota’s decision to put Paddack in the opening day rotation had many Twins fans scratching their heads as David Festa and Zebby Matthews appear to have more upside, and Paddack had a less-than-ideal 4.99 ERA last year but saw success out of the bullpen in 2023 after returning from injury.

The decision to keep Paddack in the starting rotation looked like a disaster early on when the former Padre had an ugly first outing against the White Sox, where he allowed a whopping nine earned runs. However, Paddack has since then silenced his doubters by posting a 2.97 ERA across six starts. He dominated in his last outing, surrendering just one run on three hits and no walks while striking out six against the San Francisco Giants on Friday at Target Field.

Signing left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe

Coulombe signed a one-year contract for $3 million in the offseason and has been the Twins’ most valuable relief pitcher this year per bWAR (0.9) and fWAR (0.7). He has yet to allow a run with a 0.52 WHIP and 17 strikeouts across 15 ⅓ innings.

It’s no surprise that Coulombe has pitched well this year, as he has a career 3.33 ERA in 289 innings. However, the degree to which he has been successful has far surpassed expectations.