Article: Potential Twins Bullpen Target: Sam Dyson, RHP, Giants

[Tom Froemming]

It's no secret, the Twins will be seeking bullpen help as the trade deadline approaches. The current group of relievers has helped get the Twins where they are, but let's face it, there is plenty of evidence that suggests upgrades are required. Who may be available? Today we're going to look at a Sam Dyson of the Giants.Sam Dyson, RHP, 31-years-old

San Francisco Giants (31-41, fifth in NL West)

Under team control via arbitration through 2020.

 

2019: 2.45 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 1.4 BB/9 in 33.0 IP

2018: 2.69 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 in 70.1 IP

 

What’s to Like?

Among the 171 relievers who’ve logged a combined 60 innings the past two seasons, Dyson ranks 26th in ERA (2.61) and 25th in WHIP (1.04). He has a five-pitch repertoire, which is unusual for a reliever. He sinker and cutter are his primary offerings, and he induces a lot of grounders. In that same sample referenced above, Dyson ranks eighth in ground ball rate (60.7%).

 

Another attractive thing about Dyson is that he’s on a nice roll. After an uninspiring first 10 appearances of 2019, Dyson has pitched to a 1.31 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 21 games since. He’s issued just two walks over that stretch, limiting opponents to a measly .197/.240/.296 batting line (.536 OPS). His 3.9 BB% ranks 10th among the 250 pitchers to log at least 30 innings so far in 2019.

 

Dyson also has some experience in the ninth inning, boasting 58 career saves to his credit, and has been very durable. He’s averaged nearly 70 appearances over the past four seasons.

 

Concerns

While being a very effective pitcher, Dyson is far from overpowering. In that sample of 171 relievers who’ve thrown 60+ innings the past two years, Dyson ranks 122nd in K% (21.5) and 132nd in swinging strike rate (10.2%).

 

The Twins could really use another lefty in the bullpen, or at the very least a right-hander who can hold his own against opposite-side hitters. Dyson has a .264/.354/.395 line against lefties for his career (.749 OPS), though he’s been a more effective so far this season (.238/.304/.357, .661 OPS).

 

He’s been incredible at home this year (0.52 ERA, .417 OPS against) but suspect on the road (4.60 ERA, .724 OPS), though those splits were reversed to some degree in 2018.

 

See Also

Brad Hand, LHP, Indians

Oliver Perez, LHP Cleveland

Robert Stephenson, RHP, Reds

John Gant, RHP, Cardinals

Alex Colome, RHP, White Sox

Seth Lugo, RHP, Mets

Greg Holland, RHP, Diamondbacks

Sean Doolittle, LHP, Nationals

Kirby Yates, RHP, Padres

10 Relievers Minnesota Could Target

 

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[caninatl04]

I hope the 10th is a Blue Jay

[jorgenswest]

I think his numbers are better than his skill. 

 

Moving back to the AL and leaving a park that is very difficult on left handed power could cause an abrupt shift in his numbers.

[Linus]

Sounds like a nice second piece and could probably be had for jake Cave and a lower prospect. I don’t care that he doesn’t throw hard. He is getting guys out

[Omardog]

We want to do better than this.

[diehardtwinsfan]

The K rate is a bit lower than I'd like for a reliever, but he wouldn't be a bad get... especially with runners on where a grounder can induce a DP. 

[Cody Pirkl]

If we sent a package that got us him and Will Smith, we would probably be good to go in terms of bullpen acquisitions.

[joefish]

Raise the bar. Go big.

[Tom Froemming]

Dyson has not given up a run over his last nine innings, giving up only four hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. I talked about how I think they should make the move to bring him (or at least someone like him) in now.

 

[nicksaviking]

I don't mind the more under-the-radar names, but maybe not this one in particular. I just don't like all the contact he gives up. I'd rather not rely on the Twins infield to have to make almost all of his outs for him late in games. I'm not sure I buy into his sudden strikeout increase continuing with such a heavy sinker usage.