MLB free agency: Twins prioritizing Yu Darvish over Jake Arrieta

The Twins appear to be in the mix for almost every available starting pitcher this offseason, including top tier free agents like Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta. According to Jon Heyman, the Twins prefer to make a run at Darvish to bolster the top of their rotation.

Twins GM Thad Levine was an assistant GM in Texas back when Darvish was brought over from Japan, and could be looking to orchestrate a reunion and have Darvish slide ahead of Ervin Santana to lead the starting rotation.

Both Darvish and Arrieta are 31 years old, and each carry postseason experience, which the Twins desire. Darvish was an All-Star in 2017 but struggled mightily in the World Series with the Dodgers, allowing four earned runs in both World Series starts while failing to make it out of the second inning both times.

After a somewhat disappointing regular season, Arrieta was much better in the postseason, capped off by a nine strikeout performance in game four of the NLCS against the Dodgers. Arrieta finished his postseason having allowed just one earned run over 10 ²⁄₃ innings.

After a surprising turnaround in 2017 that led to a Wild Card berth, the Twins are looking to build themselves into a legitimate contender this winter, with their priorities set on pitching. They also have been looking for bullpen help, and have reported interest in top free agent relievers Wade Davis and Greg Holland, according to Heyman.