Heyman Reports The Mets Are Checking In On Danny Coulombe

[Brock Beauchamp]

Jon Heyman reports that the Mets have checked on Twins left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe, a move that aligns with New York’s deadline priority of adding a high-leverage lefty out of the pen. 

Coulombe, 35, has been one of the American League’s most efficient relievers in 2025. Through 26 2/3 innings he owns a 0.68 ERA and a 1.70 FIP, pairing a 27 percent strikeout rate (9.8 K/9) with only 6 percent walks (2.4 BB/9) and zero home runs allowed across 35 appearances. His 0.9 fWAR already matches last season’s total. 

Coulombe's return would not be enormous for the Twins, but given his sheer dominance and left-handedness, there should be multiple suitors calling on him should the Twins decide to sell.

To get up to speed on the Mets' system, here is their top-30 rankings via MLB Pipeline.

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[Road trip]

Unless you believe in the Twins approximately 5-10% chance to make the post season, selling Coulombe to the highest bidder this month is the lowest of low bars for the FO to clear.  Almost every contender would like to upgrade their bullpen, so there won't be any shortage of potential trade partners.

[Dman]

As long as the Twins get something meaningful for him I'm all for it.  Hopefully they get decent young arm in return.  System could use more quality arms.

[thelanges5]

I have a few shreds of optimism left even after last night’s performance in Colorado. I don’t trust the front office to trade any of the controllable assets, but we should be trying to get something for the upcoming free agents. I’d hate to see Coulombe, Bader, and Castro go. 

[twinstalker]

I would take AJ Ewing for Coloumbe.  He's a lh-hitting CF at A+ Brooklyn right now, doesn't have much power but the hit tool is okay, and he is 55 and 7 on the bases this year.  His K rate is a little high for his profile (19.3%), but his walk rate isn't too high at 14.2%, it's the upper end of the good range, edging toward passive.  He's over a year younger than Kyle DeBarge at the same level and has CF skills.

MLB.com has him ranked 26th in the system after last year, and it doesn't appear to be updated.  My guess is that he's closer to the top 10 now.   His A+ slash is .287/.396/.387.

His K rate this year at A+ is down a ton from the 29.1% he had at low A last year, and that's what makes him a prospect.  Turns 21 in August.

[tony&rodney]

I'm open to anything that means a clear increase in talent. On the other hand Coulombe, at $3M per year is a fair contract. Coulombe is the one player with an expiring contract I would pursue. He is effective, which is my main reason, and the Twins could use one wise veteran in the bullpen.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, thelanges5 said:

I’d hate to see Coulombe, Bader, and Castro go. 

Me too, to varying degrees, but that's the reason they seem the obvious candidates to go in return for good prospects in this lost season.  I don't expect fantastic returns, but let's see how desperate contending teams are, especially for "proven" bullpen arms.  Remember Jorge Lopez? 😀

[ashbury]

30 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I'm open to anything that means a clear increase in talent. On the other hand Coulombe, at $3M per year is a fair contract. Coulombe is the one player with an expiring contract I would pursue. He is effective, which is my main reason, and the Twins could use one wise veteran in the bullpen.

At this point in the season I don't see Danny signing an extension unless it's for an overpay and his agent tells him he's a fool not to take it.  If we want him back, we can compete for him in the free agent market for probably less than it would take to get him now.

[Mike Sixel]

36 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

I would take AJ Ewing for Coloumbe.  He's a lh-hitting CF at A+ Brooklyn right now, doesn't have much power but the hit tool is okay, and he is 55 and 7 on the bases this year.  His K rate is a little high for his profile (19.3%), but his walk rate isn't too high at 14.2%, it's the upper end of the good range, edging toward passive.  He's over a year younger than Kyle DeBarge at the same level and has CF skills.

MLB.com has him ranked 26th in the system after last year, and it doesn't appear to be updated.  My guess is that he's closer to the top 10 now.   His A+ slash is .287/.396/.387.

His K rate this year at A+ is down a ton from the 29.1% he had at low A last year, and that's what makes him a prospect.  Turns 21 in August.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/new-york-mets-top-45-prospects/

11th, and a 45. About right for a RP. 

[Dman]

51 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

I would take AJ Ewing for Coloumbe.  He's a lh-hitting CF at A+ Brooklyn right now, doesn't have much power but the hit tool is okay, and he is 55 and 7 on the bases this year.  His K rate is a little high for his profile (19.3%), but his walk rate isn't too high at 14.2%, it's the upper end of the good range, edging toward passive.  He's over a year younger than Kyle DeBarge at the same level and has CF skills.

MLB.com has him ranked 26th in the system after last year, and it doesn't appear to be updated.  My guess is that he's closer to the top 10 now.   His A+ slash is .287/.396/.387.

His K rate this year at A+ is down a ton from the 29.1% he had at low A last year, and that's what makes him a prospect.  Turns 21 in August.

That seems about right, but I would go with Wellington Aracena at number 14 on Fangraphs.  It would be a reliever for reliever trade, but if he can harness his pitches I think it could be difference making stuff.  I think that is about where Duran was rated when we traded for him.

[jorgenswest]

I would shoot for Blade Tidwell. The shine on his prospect status may be lessening. He is 24 and using an option this year. Might be a candidate to see how he does in a relief role the last few months.

In general adding to the catcher pool or looking for a buy low pitcher that has arm talent would be good targets.

[Brock Beauchamp]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

Remember Jorge Lopez? 😀

[dxpavelka]

If there's one thing we won't need next year it's a high leverage lefty in the bullpen.

[DocBauer]

I understand this is about Coulombe, but I want to digress for a moment.

The Twins aren't going to, PROBABLY, get anything close to a difference maker for 2026. That doesn't mean they don't have some interesting players to trade.

PADDACK is a cheap 5th SP that some team might really need to stabilize the back end of their rotation, knowing he might also help in the pen. 

BADER is a GG caliber OF who is having one of his healthiest and best seasons. 

CASTRO is having a great season, and not only provides decent offense, but the ability to help all over the field. He might be the Twins best trade chip.

COULOMBE has been outstanding in a limited role as a LH who can get RH bats out as well. Whether you and 1 out or 3, he's been outstanding as a 5-7th inning arm.

I see little value for France or Vazquez unless someone is just looking for a semi-decent RH bat off the bench, or is in serious need for a veteran #2 catcher.

The fact that Coulombe is of interest to the Mets makes perfect sense. But I'm not focused on individual players so much as I'm looking at overall return options.

Do the Twins want to move any of these pending FA for lower level prospects that may wash out, or may help in 2-3 years? OR, could they possibly grab a couple of guys who might help in 2026?

For example, is there a former top prospect SP that just hasn't put it together yet at AAA or AA that could be converted to the pen tomorrow that might help in 2026?

As a recent Twins Daily OP suggested, is there a blocked 1B with some potential...maybe a 4th OF instead to replace Bader...that might help next season?

I doubt it, but maybe there's a half way decent catcher being blocked right now...hello Dodgers...that could be a viable #2 behind Jeffers for next year?

IF the Twins decide to sell...and I'm not convinced that they will...I'd be focused on 2 things:

1] Is there a talented 1B/C/OF/SU being blocked right now that has a chance to impact 2026.

2] THIS is my primary option. Who's got a former SP prospect sitting at AAA, or even AA, that hasn't met their potential yet but has some good stuff? (A LH is even better). Get an arm or two that fits that criteria and move them to the pen immediately. Hone their repertoire and approach and give them a good look see in ST next season. 

**said it before and will say it again, make Coulombe a primary offseason signing to fill the same role, even at age 35. But also make finding a LHRP SOMEWHERE to be a later inning option to pair with him.

 

[TopGunn#22]

It’s time to take off the rose colored glasses and admit that this team is going nowhere this season.  Heck, we’ve had our clocks cleaned by the ROCKIES to open the second half.  Trade Coulombe, Bader, Castro, Vasquez and Paddack for sure.  Whether a Larnach, Wallner, Duran as well is a fair debate.  But the guys who are short-timers are essential to move.  I like the idea of targeting the positions that others have mentioned as well as the pitchers who have potential with a move to the BP.  Let’s get some younger players up who would have a 2-month window to show us something.  I’d also look to move France, Julien and Miranda.  It’s time to turn the page on several players. 

[Doctor Wu]

18 hours ago, ashbury said:

Remember Jorge Lopez? 

Barely. 

[Wellimam]

Yeah, it’s time to sell. Move the rentals, Coulombe, Bader, Castro, Vasquez, Paddack. Flip France, Julien, Miranda too if there’s interest. Keep one of Larnach/Wallner, not both. Let the kids play and start building.

[TheLeviathan]

I like the Ewing target.

What about Ryan Clifford?  Fangraphs has him at 12 and MLB had him at 6.  Big lefty swinger.

[David HK]

Well, he should bring a big haul for a contender's stretch run, considering Rocky's  only let him throw about 27 pitches all year.

[dxpavelka]

9 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I understand this is about Coulombe, but I want to digress for a moment.

The Twins aren't going to, PROBABLY, get anything close to a difference maker for 2026. That doesn't mean they don't have some interesting players to trade.

PADDACK is a cheap 5th SP that some team might really need to stabilize the back end of their rotation, knowing he might also help in the pen. 

BADER is a GG caliber OF who is having one of his healthiest and best seasons. 

CASTRO is having a great season, and not only provides decent offense, but the ability to help all over the field. He might be the Twins best trade chip.

COULOMBE has been outstanding in a limited role as a LH who can get RH bats out as well. Whether you and 1 out or 3, he's been outstanding as a 5-7th inning arm.

I see little value for France or Vazquez unless someone is just looking for a semi-decent RH bat off the bench, or is in serious need for a veteran #2 catcher.

The fact that Coulombe is of interest to the Mets makes perfect sense. But I'm not focused on individual players so much as I'm looking at overall return options.

Do the Twins want to move any of these pending FA for lower level prospects that may wash out, or may help in 2-3 years? OR, could they possibly grab a couple of guys who might help in 2026?

For example, is there a former top prospect SP that just hasn't put it together yet at AAA or AA that could be converted to the pen tomorrow that might help in 2026?

As a recent Twins Daily OP suggested, is there a blocked 1B with some potential...maybe a 4th OF instead to replace Bader...that might help next season?

I doubt it, but maybe there's a half way decent catcher being blocked right now...hello Dodgers...that could be a viable #2 behind Jeffers for next year?

IF the Twins decide to sell...and I'm not convinced that they will...I'd be focused on 2 things:

1] Is there a talented 1B/C/OF/SU being blocked right now that has a chance to impact 2026.

2] THIS is my primary option. Who's got a former SP prospect sitting at AAA, or even AA, that hasn't met their potential yet but has some good stuff? (A LH is even better). Get an arm or two that fits that criteria and move them to the pen immediately. Hone their repertoire and approach and give them a good look see in ST next season. 

**said it before and will say it again, make Coulombe a primary offseason signing to fill the same role, even at age 35. But also make finding a LHRP SOMEWHERE to be a later inning option to pair with him.

 

So you are saying we CAN make a trade without having to move Ryan or Duran or Jax or Buxton?  I'm down with that.

[USAFChief]

11 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

If there's one thing we won't need next year it's a high leverage lefty in the bullpen.

If only trading Coulombe now wouldn't prevent us from bringing him back next year. 

Oh well, nothing can be done. Such a shame the Twins aren't allowed to sign free agents.

 

[dxpavelka]

3 hours ago, USAFChief said:

If only trading Coulombe now wouldn't prevent us from bringing him back next year. 

Oh well, nothing can be done. Such a shame the Twins aren't allowed to sign free agents.

 

I feel ya.  Who wants to bring in a guy with a .65 ERA.

[Vanimal46]

I’d put it at 95% probability Danny Cool is traded by the deadline. Mets, or the other 15 teams that feel like they’re contenders have it in their budget to trade for him. He’s a guy we could get a surprising return for. 

[USAFChief]

12 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I’d put it at 95% probability Danny Cool is traded by the deadline. Mets, or the other 15 teams that feel like they’re contenders have it in their budget to trade for him. He’s a guy we could get a surprising return for. 

Malpractice not to. 

So I'd make it about 6 to 5 against. 

[twinfan]

If the Mets want Columbe, they will need to give us Acuna. He is an up and coming talent who has experience at the major league level. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

[nicksaviking]

I'll trade any expiring contract, but honestly, the timing of this all stinks.

If a sale of the team is truly right around the corner I think the Twins do absolutely nothing at the deadline. Surely, Derek Falvey knows that going on a big run to the post season is likely his only shot at retaining his job. Ownership likely won't spend to improve the team, so my guess is that standing pat and crossing their fingers is the plan. 

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'll trade any expiring contract, but honestly, the timing of this all stinks.

If a sale of the team is truly right around the corner I think the Twins do absolutely nothing at the deadline. Surely, Derek Falvey knows that going on a big run to the post season is likely his only shot at retaining his job. Ownership likely won't spend to improve the team, so my guess is that standing pat and crossing their fingers is the plan. 

I gave this a sad emoji, not because you are wrong, but because you are right, IMO.