Notebook: Twins Finally Make Another Move

[Cooper Carlson]

The Twins made a move today, signing starting pitcher J.A. Happ to a one-year, $8 million deal. That and more in today's notebook!Twins sign J.A. Happ to one year deal

 

Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News sent out a tweet today that had fans excited.

 

He was right. The Twins ended up with left handed starter J.A. Happ who will hopefully end up as the fifth starter. Not anything too exciting, but it’s an okay move. One year for $8 million.

 

 

Happ was pretty solid in the short 2020 season, but he is now 38 years old and certainly on the winding years of his career. In 49.1 innings Happ had 3.47 ERA, 4.57 FIP, and 7.66 K/9. He absolutely cannot be the best starter the Twins end up with, but not a bad move.

 

Here is what some Twins Daily writers had to say:

 

and here's a link to our full article on the move. What are your thoughts on Happ? Let us know in the comments!

 

The Michael Brantley saga:

 

It was reported this morning that outfielder Michael Brantley agreed to a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. By 3:00 PM he was somehow back on the Astros. It was a confusing and likely heartbreaking day for Toronto fans, but they’ll be fine, they have Springer!

 

Brantley opted to return to Houston where he has spent the last couple seasons. Despite being 34, Brantley seems to be playing at his best still. In 2019 he had a 4.2 fWAR despite being awful at defense. He’s a solid bat that the Twins might regret not adding.

 

Rumors around baseball

 

The Dodgers have recently been noted to have interest in Marcus Semien, a potential Twins target, and now could be involved for Trevor Bauer.

 

This isn’t at all surprising, but hopefully a sign that more signings will start happening soon. Hopefully they leave Semien for the Twins.

 

There wasn't much else today, but if you missed yesterday there was a bit of action. George Springer signed with the Blue Jays and Julio Teheran went to the Angels. Good to see both of those teams making moves to improve.

 

After signing Happ, what is next for the Twins? Bring back Odorizzi or Cruz Make a big trade? We will have to wait and see, but I can almost guarantee this won't be the final move for Minnesota.

 

SEE ALSO

The Twins Worst Trades: Wilson Ramos

St. Paul Saints Throw Gardy Party in 2021

Free Agent Faceoff: Jake Odorizzi vs. James Paxton

Why Didi Gregorius is the Best Shortstop Fit for the Twins

 

Click here to view the article

[TheMatt]

What could his market possibly have been that it benefited to wait it out? Did someone offer him two years?

[shimrod]

Waiting for someone to offer him 7 million to go anywhere besides MN. (joking)

[AceWrigley]

 

Waiting for someone to offer him 7 million to go anywhere besides MN. (joking)

What? The land of 10,000 lakes and a few wierdos isn't the mecca of all that represents good living? Shocked I say, just shocked. 

[LewFordLives]

The bullpen needs to be the number one priority.

[Jacksson]

Trades are exciting, interesting and worthy of lots of conversation.

Signing an over-the-hill, 38 year old starter for 8 Million, not so much.

[baul0010]

I'm glad you'd guarantee this won't be the last move.  It would be pretty sad if this was the last move since we need a DH, probably another starting pitcher, a utility player, a relief pitcher would also be good....... It's a big list that's still needed.

[mikelink45]

He is 38, the Yankees do not want him, did not trust him at the end of last year and we got him.  A real move the needle acquisition. 

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ja-happ/7410/stats?position=P

 

 

[bighat]

Been wondering about this for a couple days. The headline says the Twins made "Another Move" - where was the first move? Did I miss something? I'm not sure what that was referring to.

[Major League Ready]

 

Been wondering about this for a couple days. The headline says the Twins made "Another Move" - where was the first move? Did I miss something? I'm not sure what that was referring to.

 

I am assuming the reference was to Robles. He signed about 3 weeks ago.

[mikelink45]

Schoenfield: I'm not counting J.A. Happ as a big move, so I'm still waiting for the Twins do something interesting to keep up with the White Sox -- re-signing Nelson Cruz, in particular. No, he won't continue mashing forever, but he was the only hitter in the lineup who didn't fall off in 2020 from that record-setting team of 2019. They need Cruz or somebody similar (Marcell Ozuna?). You would think a team that has lost 18 playoff games in a row would want to go all-in, but the Twins seemingly have been content to go about 88% in the past couple of years"

[bighat]

 

I am assuming the reference was to Robles. He signed about 3 weeks ago.

Oh yeah, I remember that now. OK.