3 Twins Who Should Sit Out 2020 if Rob Manfred Institutes 50-Game Season

With negotiations between MLB and the players' union seemingly going backwards as the weeks go by, it's reasonable to assume that commissioner Rob Manfred is only drawing closer to deploying his nuclear option and implementing a 50-game season for 2020.

All told, such a blueprint would present several players throughout the league with the perfect excuse to sit out the campaign. The Minnesota Twins have a slew of veterans that could do just that, with this trio leading the way.

3. Josh Donaldson

Minnesota Twins slugger Josh Donaldson / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Josh Donaldson inked a four-year, $92 million contract with Minnesota this offseason, and we really don't see why he would even consider playing this year. Yes, he wouldn't earn a dollar, but he'd already be forced to take significant pay cut by choosing to participate. At 34 years of age, this deal might very well be the former AL MVP's last as a pro. Donaldson sitting out wouldn't look pretty on the Twins payroll in a few years, but it's absolutely the best move for his career right now.

2. Jake Odorizzi

Minnesota Twins RHP Jake Odorizzi / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Jake Odorizzi opted to re-sign with Minnesota on a one-year, $17.8 million contract this offseason. With another solid season as a starter, the 2019 All-Star could land a big contract in free agency. However, a 50-game season wouldn't allow Odorizzi to showcase his full potential. The 30-year-old right-hander choosing to remain home to gear up for a complete campaign in 2021 would be the smart move, as it would give him the chance to earn the biggest of big money over a proper sample size.

1. Marwin Gonzalez

Minnesota Twins utility fielder Marwin Gonzalez / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Like so many impending free agents around the league, sitting out should be a no-brainer decision for Marwin Gonzalez. Last season, the versatile infielder hit .264 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI. Those numbers aren't too shabby, and a replication of them could see Gonzalez ink a sizable contract as a free agent. However, a 50-game season wouldn't enable him to do that if he encounters even one extended slump. Therefore, the former Astro should remain in street clothes this time around and come back motivated in a contract year in 2021 while having 162 games to prove his worth.