Minnesota

Final: Mariners 3, Twins 2: Minnesota Misplays Cost A Victory

Published

2 years ago

June 29, 2024

Final: Mariners 3, Twins 2: Minnesota Misplays Cost A Victory

Box Score
SP: Bailey Ober 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K (88 pitches, 59 strikes)
Home Runs: Carlos Correa (9)
Bottom 3 WPA: Christian Vazquez (-.214), Griffin Jax (-.212), Cole Sands (-.196)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Ober, Correa, Go Deep
Through the first five innings of the game, Minnesota and Seattle struggled to get much of anything going offensively. The Twins managed just three hits with the Mariners recording a pair. It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth inning that Josh Rojas doubled to score Mitch Haniger. He should have been out by 20 feet, but Christian Vazquez booted Willi Castro’s relay to the plate.

The Twins had a quick response when Willi Castro provided a sixth inning baserunner by again getting hit by a pitch. Carlos Correa, back in the lineup after being hit on Thursday, just like he said he would be, launched a two-run dinger. His ninth blast of the season made it a 2-1 game.

Bailey Ober turned in another great start, and his one allowed run came on two hits and a trio of walks. He struck out nine and turned it over to Jorge Alcala.

Jax Jumped Late
Griffin Jax took over for the eighth inning and needed to hold the slim lead. Walking Haniger to start the inning, Luke Raley came on to run. A throwing error by Jose Miranda allowed him to score and the game was tied late. Intentionally walking Cal Raleigh, before getting Mitch Kepler to fly out. Dominic Canzone struck out and the Twins needed to win it in the ninth inning.

Jhoan Duran took over for the bottom half after the Twins couldn’t score. Seattle pushed runners to second and third with just one out, but got a strikeout of Rojas before J.P. Crawford flew out to end the inning. He didn’t touch more than 100.3 mph on the night, but made it work.

On To Extras
Facing Ryne Stanek with Miranda starting at second base in the tenth, Max Kepler began the frame with a fly out. Manuel Margot moved the runner with a fly out, but the Twins were working with two outs. Christian Vazquez grounded out and dropped his OPS to a truly astonishing .465. Beyond giving up the first run, and continuing to be an automatic out at the plate, he has become a substantial problem for Minnesota.

Cole Sands came on for the bottom of the tenth inning and Julio Rodriguez moved Crawford to third base for the first out. Raleigh grounded back behind Sands and Crawford raced home to walk it off for the Mariners.

Correa was the only player to record a pair of hits with Minnesota totaling just six on the evening. The Twins struck out only four times but didn’t draw a walk. Bad defense down the stretch was the story that sank Rocco Baldelli’s club.

What’s Next?
Pablo Lopez starts for the Minnesota Twins, and gets to do so at a place in which he always enjoyed seeing fellow Venezuelan Felix Hernandez’s Kings Court. He’ll be opposed by the Mariners Bryce Miller.

Postgame Interviews

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

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Minnesota

Initial Thoughts on the Vikings’ Free Agency Moves

Published

10 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Initial Thoughts on the Vikings’ Free Agency Moves

The Minnesota Vikings were not big players in the first day of the ‘legal tampering period’ which has become essentially the first day of free agency as a torrent of deals are announced.

The Vikings did make some big splashes in free agency last year, and the dead cap hits to clear those moves is a big reason why they haven’t made any big splashes so far this year. That should serve as a useful reminder that often times the big splashes in free agency don’t work out and prove to be bloated contracts the team dumps in a couple years.

‘Moneyball’ Free Agency for the Vikings

The Vikings did sign a one free agent today that wasn’t previously on the team, namely cornerback James Pierre formerly with the Steelers.

The above graphic is difficult to read but the upshot is that Pierre had the lowest passer rating when targeted allowed along with the lowest completion rate when targeted allowed of all defensive backs in the league last season. That translated into the highest PFF coverage grade among cornerbacks with more than 13 coverage snaps last season as well. Pierre is an older player- 29 – but the Vikings signed him on a 2-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of just $4.25 million. Overall, a good but overlooked player who could fill the CB3 role for the Vikings or potentially be a quality depth piece if the Vikings draft a cornerback that wins a starting job. I like this move by the Vikings a lot better than the move to sign Jeff Okudah last year.

There was no news on the Kyler Murray front as the Cardinals have not officially released him yet, which precludes any announcements from his future team, but should he end up signing with the Vikings as is widely expected, he too would be another “Moneyball” type signing as a quality starter on just a veteran minimum salary.

The Vikings didn’t seriously involved in any bidding wars either, including for their own free agents. Jalen Nailor signed with the Raiders on a 3-year, $35 million deal. There was no way the Vikings were going to pay Nailor anything near that to be WR3. Nailor will move up the depth chart with the Raiders and their likely new quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Vikings also let punter Ryan Wright sign with the Saints on a 4-year, $14 million deal.

The Vikings were also rumored to be looking into the free agency running back market, but don’t appear to have been serious contenders for any of the higher profile names- Kenneth Walker, Kenneth Gainwell, Travis Etienne, or Tyler Allgeier. My own view on this is unless the Vikings went for a big splash and ponied up to sign Walker, the other running backs on the market really aren’t going to move the needle on the Vikings’ running game. That’s not to say they aren’t good or decent running backs, they just aren’t going to make much difference and come at higher prices. The Vikings would be better off using a mid-round pick on a running back who could rotate with Jordan Mason and possibly Zavier Scott. There are a few running backs in this year’s draft who could fill that role nicely and could surprise on the upside.

The Vikings also wisely avoided the overheated center market, highlighted by Tyler Linderbaum signing a 3-year, $81 million deal with the Raiders that is basically fully guaranteed, as the last year of the deal becomes fully guaranteed at the beginning of next season. For comparison, quarterback Kirk Cousins signed the first fully guaranteed free agent quarterback contract back in 2018- 3-years, $84 million. Now centers are getting the same deals.

The Vikings did make deals with some of their own, however. They signed linebacker/core special teamer Eric Wilson on a 3-year, $22.5 million deal with $12.5 million guaranteed. The details of the deal are not yet available, but it looks like more of a two-year deal at $6.25 AAV with a third-year club option. Wilson had one of his better seasons last year, leading the league in quarterback pressures among off-ball linebackers while still being good in run defense. He was mediocre in coverage but also a leader on special teams and highest PFF-graded among core special teamers. He may be the special teams captain this season with the retirement of C.J. Ham.

The Vikings also agreed on some Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) deals with Bo Richter, Jalen Redmond, and Zavier Scott- essentially league minimum deals- and made a tender offer on Ivan Pace Jr. on a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) deal that will likely keep Pace with the Vikings this year for $3.5 million.

What’s Next in Free Agency

Apart from the Vikings potentially/likely signing quarterback Kyler Murray at some point after he’s officially released by the Cardinals, there’s not a lot of rumors out there linking the Vikings to any particular free agent. They could potentially be looking to add to just about every position room at this point. The Vikings still have plenty available to spend in free agency, but I don’t expect any big money splashes on one particular player.

There is also rumored to be interest among at least a couple teams in trading for Jonathan Greenard. The Eagles, Patriots, and 49ers, among others, could be willing to make a strong trade offer for Greenard. The asking price is thought to be at least a Day Two draft pick this year- most likely a second-round pick- but even a late first-round pick is a reasonable comparable after the trade of Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round picks. We’ll see what happens, but it seems more likely than not the Vikings will get at least one trade offer for Greenard. Whether any will be sufficient for them to move him is another question.

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Minnesota

Tracking every Minnesota Vikings move in 2026 free agency

Published

22 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Tracking every Minnesota Vikings move in 2026 free agency

The Minnesota Vikings have several positions that need attention after last season when the team went 9-8 and was third in the NFC North.

The team has informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released barring a trade, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said they are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints. The reported transactions are in addition to over a dozen free agents who played for Minnesota last season.

Quarterback is a position that many Vikings fans have been talking about this offseason. Some question whether J.J. McCarthy will again lead the team’s offense. He missed 24 of 34 possible career games — the majority of which have been due to injury.

“We’re still looking at a quarterback who’s started 10 games. Ten out of, what, a possible 34 in two years? Not the ideal path for a young quarterback to develop on the field,” Coach Kevin O’Connell said at a news conference in January. “But I thought he did. I thought he did some really good things.”

The organization will be making moves without a general manager for at least the next six weeks after it fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement that the Vikings will conduct “a thorough search” for their next general manager after the draft. Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski will lead the team until then, according to the Vikings.

WCCO is tracking every move Minnesota makes in free agency, including cuts, signings, retirements and potentially trades.

Ryan Kelly, center

Four-time Pro Bowl selection Ryan Kelly is retiring after 10 seasons in the league, the Vikings said. The center signed with Minnesota last year after playing nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He dealt with three concussions last season and only started eight games for the Vikings.

James Pierre, cornerback

NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe said Monday that the Vikings agreed to terms with cornerback James Pierre, a move that will add depth to the team’s secondary. The former Pittsburgh Steelers player will get a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $3.7 million guaranteed, Wolfe, who cited Pierre’s agent Toney Scott, said.

Eric Wilson, linebacker

Eric Wilson is staying in Minnesota after the team announced Monday that they’ve reached a three-year, eight-figure deal with the 31-year-old linebacker. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo says the contract is worth $22.5 million — with $12.5 million “fully guaranteed.”

Wilson is in his second stint with Minnesota. He was first signed as an undrafted rookie in 2017 and spent four seasons with the Vikings.

Full list of Vikings free agents

RB Ty Chandler
LS Andrew DePaola
CB Fabian Moreau
WR Jalen Nailor (agreed to terms on three-year, $35 million deal with Las Vegas Raiders, per Schefter)
T Matt Nelson
CB Jeff Okudah
OLB Bo Richter
QB Brett Rypien
RB Zavier Scott
T Justin Skule
TE Ben Sims
S Harrison Smith
DB Tavierre Thomas
QB Carson Wentz
P Ryan Wright (signing a four-year, $14 million deal with New Orleans Saints, per Schefter)

Minnesota also tendered the contracts of linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and defensive lineman Jalen Redmond.

In:

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Minnesota

Vikings Get Concerning Update on Kyler Murray Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Vikings Get Concerning Update on Kyler Murray Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Getty

Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Minnesota Vikings have been, and remain, the clear favorite to sign Kyler Murray in free agency once the Arizona Cardinals officially release him on Wednesday, March 11, but that outcome is not a foregone conclusion.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Sunday, less than 24 hours before the legal period of player negotiations begin, that Murray and Minnesota have “mutual interest.” The rest of Pelissero’s report, however, is cause for at least mild concern that the Vikings could miss out on the two-time Pro Bowler ahead of his age-29 campaign.

“I fully anticipate this is going to be a robust market for Kyler Murray,” Pelissero said. “I would anticipate there will be mutual interest between Kyler Murray and the Vikings. Fair to say even at this point that the Vikings probably should be considered the favorite.”

The latest from @TomPelissero says there is “mutual interest” between both Kyler Murray and the Vikings.

Pelissero has the Vikings has the “favorite” but says the Cardinals cannot release Murray until after 3 PM CST on Wednesday.

May be later this week before anything official.

“But, if you’re Kyler and his agent, it makes a lot of sense to take advantage of this,” Pelissero continued. “He’s never been a free agent before. He has not interfaced with a lot of team executives since he came out in the draft back in 2019. And for Kyler, who is going to be a free agent again in 2027 after taking a one-year minimum deal this year, makes sense … to take his time and explore his options — hear everybody out before deciding where to take a next, important step in his career.”

Vikings Players Prefer Kyler Murray Over JJ McCarthy, per Report

GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota isn’t just the favorite to sign Murray in free agency, Murray is the favorite of several members of the Vikings’ locker room who prefer him as the starter in 2026 over JJ McCarthy entering his third NFL season.

Dianna Russinni of The Athletic reported as much over the weekend during an appearance on the Ryen Russillo Show.

“[Murray is] not the type of quarterback for Kevin O’Connell,” Russinni said. “But I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I think that’s an organization where I can tell you from talking to some players there, they want Kyler there.”

Vikings Will Have Other, Lesser Options at QB if Kyler Murray Lands Elsewhere

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson warms up ahead of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.

GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Minnesota will have options if Murray doesn’t pan out, though none are likely to be as promising as the two-time Pro Bowler who is going to play somewhere next season on a veteran’s league minimum totaling just $1.3 million.

If Murray, for whatever reason, lands elsewhere, the Vikings can turn to Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. That franchise granted Richardson permission to seek a trade during the NFL Combine late last month.

Should that not work out, a short-term deal with the likes of Kirk Cousins or Geno Smith — both veterans in their late 30s — would offer Minnesota real competition for McCarthy in training camp and a viable alternative in-season if McCarthy wins the job but then struggles or suffers an injury.

The only other team in the QB market that might be able to offer Murray a situation good enough that it actually compares to what the Vikings can give him is the Pittsburgh Steelers, though Aaron Rodgers is rumored to potentially return there for his age-42 season in 2026.

Max Dible covers the NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns. He covered local and statewide news as a reporter for West Hawaii Today and served as news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s family of Big Island radio stations before joining Heavy. More about Max Dible

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