Minnesota Twins Have Shown Interest in Seranthony Dominguez

[Matthew Lenz]

Not surprisingly, the Minnesota Twins have had a fairly quiet offseason when it comes to player personnel. While they've made

headlines in the coaching and ownership departments, the only notable addition to their roster to this point is first baseman Josh Bell. However, since the public update on ownership, it's also been reported that the club is looking to rebuild its bullpen and could add players via free agency. We have a little more clarity on that report.

Darren Wolfson of KSTP is reporting that the Minnesota Twins "briefly inquired" about reliever Seranthony Dominguez last month. While talks are not currently taking place, both Wolfson and our own Cody Pirkl suggested that Dominguez would be an intriguing fit for the club.

Dominguez, 31, is most known for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he started his career. However, he most recently spent time in the AL East with the Baltimore Orioles for a season and a half, followed by the Toronto Blue Jays, who acquired him at last season's trade deadline. In 2025, he appeared in 67 games, pitching 62 2/3 innings. He posted an impressive 3.16 ERA, though a 3.47 FIP suggests the potential for slight negative regression. Despite walks always being an issue, including last year (13.8% walk rate), he produced a very good 26.5% K-BB rate. Aside from walks, the biggest question is whether the Twins should be targeting a groundball pitcher with the state of their infield.

Do you think the Twins should pursue Dominguez? Let us know in the comments!

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[bunsen82]

He has the most upside.  Even still,  where we are at is that they "briefly inquired."   Sounds like they told him they were interested in going on a date and he said no LOL.   

[Richie the Rally Goat]

42 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

He has the most upside.  Even still,  where we are at is that they "briefly inquired."   Sounds like they told him they were interested in going on a date and he said no LOL.   

Dominguez: “What are you doing to improve on the infield?”

Falvey: “We really like our infield as-is”

Dominguez: Click

Falvey: “Hello?… I think we got disconnected”

[lecroy24fan]

If his goal is to be a closer this would be the one place he'd have the opportunity. By default.

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, lecroy24fan said:

If his goal is to be a closer this would be the one place he'd have the opportunity. By default.

If he thinks there might be any 9th inning leads to protect.

[HerbieFan]

"Briefly inquired"....'last month"....thanks Doogie.  Nothing to see here.

[DocBauer]

I honestly don't care who the Twins sign, even though the 3rd tier market is where they are now looking at. TD offered up Dominguez, Leclerc, and Phillips as possible veteran additions who might help the club. None of them are proven closers. But are proven veterans with a solid history of solid production who might help  build a bridge to the future while deepening  the early 2026 bullpen.

And that's what this bullpen needs. They need a Dominguez, Leclerc, or Phillips from the RH side and a Rogers, Caffin, or Coulombe from the LH side for $10-12M to STABILIZE the pen and also give the younger arms an opportunity to learn the necessary approach to actually BEING  reliever, as well as taking off some initial pressure, as well as helping to close out a few games.

IIRC, even Duran started being a closer as a 7th and 8th inning guy initially, though it didn't take him long to adapt. Jax wasn't the Jax we remember overnight. Nor was Varland. 

Based on his 2024, a mediocre early 2025, and a strong finish to 2025, I've actually got a lot of faith in Sands developing in to a strong set up man. Im not as convinced about Funderburk, but I can see him being at least a 2nd solid LH option.

I can see a reality where Rya, Klein, and Lewis could all really excel in a pen role EVENTUALLY, all for different reasons. But I still see a couple months of AAA for all 3 before getting their shot. Same for Prielipp. 

But the one guy that the Twins don't seem to talk a lot about is Festa. Reports are he's 100% healthy and ready to go! I think I speak for most of Twins fans that we hoped he'd turn out to not only be a good story, but also a good SP.

But that's just not his role going forward. I think a blind man can see that. He has the stuff, based on previous production, to dominate a first time through a lineup. His velocity plays, especially if he can harness his 2 seam sinker to play off his FB. And he has a great slider and solid change. I actually think he's the next closer "in waiting" as it would be nice to have a veteran "handling" things early. 

There's actually some interesting young arms who might actually be very good to debut in 2026. But its all the better with a couple of solid veteran FA signings that can help bridge that gap.

[arby58]

8 hours ago, DocBauer said:

IIRC, even Duran started being a closer as a 7th and 8th inning guy initially, though it didn't take him long to adapt. Jax wasn't the Jax we remember overnight. Nor was Varland. 

That's correct. In 2022, his first year, he ended up with 8 saves and 18 holds, and his outings were (particularly early in the year) often of the 2 inning variety (14 of 57 appearances were for more than 1 inning but never more than 2). It wasn't until his last 5 outings of the season that he was solely coming in at the close of the game.

[mikelink45]

Is his price falling?  If so maybe we will sign him. 

[JD-TWINS]

9 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I honestly don't care who the Twins sign, even though the 3rd tier market is where they are now looking at. TD offered up Dominguez, Leclerc, and Phillips as possible veteran additions who might help the club. None of them are proven closers. But are proven veterans with a solid history of solid production who might help  build a bridge to the future while deepening  the early 2026 bullpen.

And that's what this bullpen needs. They need a Dominguez, Leclerc, or Phillips from the RH side and a Rogers, Caffin, or Coulombe from the LH side for $10-12M to STABILIZE the pen and also give the younger arms an opportunity to learn the necessary approach to actually BEING  reliever, as well as taking off some initial pressure, as well as helping to close out a few games.

IIRC, even Duran started being a closer as a 7th and 8th inning guy initially, though it didn't take him long to adapt. Jax wasn't the Jax we remember overnight. Nor was Varland. 

Based on his 2024, a mediocre early 2025, and a strong finish to 2025, I've actually got a lot of faith in Sands developing in to a strong set up man. Im not as convinced about Funderburk, but I can see him being at least a 2nd solid LH option.

I can see a reality where Rya, Klein, and Lewis could all really excel in a pen role EVENTUALLY, all for different reasons. But I still see a couple months of AAA for all 3 before getting their shot. Same for Prielipp. 

But the one guy that the Twins don't seem to talk a lot about is Festa. Reports are he's 100% healthy and ready to go! I think I speak for most of Twins fans that we hoped he'd turn out to not only be a good story, but also a good SP.

But that's just not his role going forward. I think a blind man can see that. He has the stuff, based on previous production, to dominate a first time through a lineup. His velocity plays, especially if he can harness his 2 seam sinker to play off his FB. And he has a great slider and solid change. I actually think he's the next closer "in waiting" as it would be nice to have a veteran "handling" things early. 

There's actually some interesting young arms who might actually be very good to debut in 2026. But its all the better with a couple of solid veteran FA signings that can help bridge that gap.

Points on Duran - Jax - Varland are spot on……I think limiting Festa’s innings coming off this serious shoulder issue makes perfect sense. I’m not sure if it’s better to have him with Abel in St Paul to protect him early, as a starter, or if he should just get moved to a PEN role? Not utilizing good production in the Show & wasting innings at AAA probably is not best scenario for Twins. Controlled innings a couple times per week from the PEN role seems right.

I am in the vast minority but I think Matthews should get serious consideration for the Closer role……….if they try this, Festa has to stay in rotation depth.

Dominguez is a worthwhile guy along with Coulombe. (agree, with some pairing of FA relievers) Blend in Festa with those two guys. Orze - Funderburk - Topa - Sands………..Morris - Lewis - Raya - Adams - Klein as additional fillers, this seems to be a collection of guys that can get things done, generally, through the year.

[bunsen82]

15 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

Is his price falling?  If so maybe we will sign him. 

Nobody knows what he was asking.  So I may have been a little glib earlier,  all the information so far is stating team A has checked on him.  Essentially he has a higher ask than any team has been willing to go to.  Red Sox are also involved, who have had a worse offseason than the Twins.  The Bregman interaction doesn't sound good.  Bregman said he had higher offers,  they said we don't believe you do.  He then informed he was going to sign,  they increased deal to $165 million but had deferrals and were not willing to go to the contract language that Chicago was willing to do.   So effectively by bringing in Bregman they pissed off Devers because they essentially left him without a position,  they were forced to trade him and now Bregman spurred them.  Ouch.   

We need 2 arms.  Dominguez appears to be the best arm left on the market.  Can the Twins get a deal done.  They can say we will allow you to show you can be a closer or high leverage reliever.   Give him a 1 year deal to get a better long term deal next year or do a 2 year deal.   

We are now down to around 12 useful arms,  and Dominguez having the highest upside of the relievers remaining.  

[Riverbrian]

I've always assumed that they would have to spend some money on a free agent or two to build the bullpen back up.  

I also assumed that they wouldn't have much to spend on positions players because they would have to allocate limited dollars to the pen. 

I've been disappointed as I've watched talent come off the board. 

With that said. I like bullpen guys who can at least touch 100 mph. Sir Anthony is one of the bullpen guys that I had circled because he averages around 98 and throws the occasional triple digits. I also like bullpen guys that average over a K per inning because they got to dig out of jams from time to time. 79 K's in 62.2 innings last year qualifies for me. 

Go get him because there are not many of these big arm guys left and the Twins are going for it. Gonna need some big arms guys.   

[KirbyDome89]

3 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I've always assumed that they would have to spend some money on a free agent or two to build the bullpen back up.  

I also assumed that they wouldn't have much to spend on positions players because they would have to allocate limited dollars to the pen. 

I've been disappointed as I've watched talent come off the board. 

With that said. I like bullpen guys who can at least touch 100 mph. Sir Anthony is one of the bullpen guys that I had circled because he averages around 98 and throws the occasional triple digits. I also like bullpen guys that average over a K per inning because they got to dig out of jams from time to time. 79 K's in 62.2 innings last year qualifies for me. 

Go get him because there are not many of these big arm guys left and the Twins are going for it. Gonna need some big arms guys.   

Conversely I very much dislike bullpen arms that constantly dig themselves into those jams. It's a recipe for disaster; his BB rate is atrocious. 

That said, if he's the best of what's left I'd rather see this team max out their pathetic payroll than leave $$ on the table to pay down debt. I guess we can cross our fingers and hope Dominguez has a couple good/decent months and can be flipped. 

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Conversely I very much dislike bullpen arms that constantly dig themselves into those jams. It's a recipe for disaster; his BB rate is atrocious. 

That said, if he's the best of what's left I'd rather see this team max out their pathetic payroll than leave $$ on the table to pay down debt. I guess we can cross our fingers and hope Dominguez has a couple good/decent months and can be flipped. 

Agreed.

At some point... you do lose hope that the mechanics can be maintained to repeat that stroke. 

They've been getting quality coaching for a long time and pitching like bowling like golf is a matter of mechanics and the consistency of it.

If they haven't figured it out by the time they hit free agency,,, it's fair to wonder if they ever will. 

In the end... I just remain hopeful that the big arm guy can repeat that stroke eventually. It's harder to teach a guy to throw 100. 

  

[farmerguychris]

This could simply mean we called to ask how much money is was looking for. If was above the min salary, I'm betting that's why talks are no longer on-going.

 

[SF Twins Fan]

So, this is a nothing burger?  Briefly talked a month ago with no talks on going.

[Chembry]

  

17 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

So, this is a nothing burger?  Briefly talked a month ago with no talks on going.

What this is saying is they checked in on Dominguez.  At that point, his price was higher than what they were willing to pay and probably will check again later, if he remains unsigned.  If he goes unsigned into late January/early February, Dominguez's asking price will more than likely come down.  

The Twins like to play the game of wait out the market, especially for RP.  Typically a $8M RP in November/December will come down to $5-6M in late January/early February.  The Twins see that as a good value.  It's a risky game though because the RPs that are left at that point all have some questions.  This year, the RP market has moved relatively quickly.  Waiting paid off last year and got good value on Danny Coulombe, who signed in early February.  

[DocBauer]

On 1/14/2026 at 3:54 PM, Chembry said:

  

What this is saying is they checked in on Dominguez.  At that point, his price was higher than what they were willing to pay and probably will check again later, if he remains unsigned.  If he goes unsigned into late January/early February, Dominguez's asking price will more than likely come down.  

The Twins like to play the game of wait out the market, especially for RP.  Typically a $8M RP in November/December will come down to $5-6M in late January/early February.  The Twins see that as a good value.  It's a risky game though because the RPs that are left at that point all have some questions.  This year, the RP market has moved relatively quickly.  Waiting paid off last year and got good value on Danny Coulombe, who signed in early February.  

I think you got it right. 

I've been holding back any further comment here until the Twins signed Caratini, and the opinions that have followed. 

Dominguez is not a closer, with oy 40 career saves. And I don't know that he's an ideal set up man or not. But his career numbers are really solid, with a solid ERA, BB and K and hit per 9 numbers. Most importantly, he is experienced and still throws hard. 

IMO, the Twins have a payroll closer to the $110-115M mark rather than the $100M mark others have speculated. I'm basing this on the signing of Camariti, the obvious need for some experienced help for the pen that the FO has repeatedly spoken of, and past seasons where it seemed Falvey always squeezed oit a few $M over what was "supposed" to be the budget. 

It's my belief that Festa might be the Twins next closer, eventually at least, but there are valid arguements for another couple of logical options. While Dominguez is probably not going to reinvent himself as a closer at 31yo, he could be a VALUABLE bridge on the late innings for at least part of 2026. And while he's one of the best arms still available, I'm thinking as of today, January 19th, his $ value may be closer to $7M than the projected $8-9M I read about a couple months ago.

IMO, he might be the ONE ARM left worthy of $7M that could actually make a difference in the late innings for the 2026 Twins bullpen as a veteran closer/fireman until Festa, Sands, or someone else takes control.

Rogers is also still sitting out there from the LH side. As are Coulombe and Chaffin as other veteran options.

Again, the offseason at January 19th isn't over, but it's starting to get late. How about a $7M signing of Dominguez tomorrow and Rogers for $5M the next day. That puts the payroll at $112M. The Twins can't do that????

SOME kind of trade for Larnach would save another $4.5M. But regardless of Larnach being kept or not, and a poor fit for the current roster construction, IF the payroll could be stretched to $115M...and I can't believe I'm saying this is acceptable...the FO would still have a couple $M for a 3rd late signing BP middle are come early February. 

 

[lecroy24fan]

Yes Dominguez is not a closer but he has experience in the role and the Twins have no one that does.

[mluebker]

“…the biggest question is whether the Twins should be targeting a groundball pitcher with the state of their infield.”

No, they should be targeting infielders who are solid defenders.

[Vanimal46]

We will get to see him plenty this season while he wears a White Sox uniform. 2 year $20 million. No chance we were ever going to pay that type of money.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/white-sox-to-sign-seranthony-dominguez.html?

[bunsen82]

And with that -  there went some of the optimism I had.  I still think they can end up ok,  but we needed a legitimate high leverage reliever to just stabalize the pen.  Waiting out has effectively left us with no options really for that roll.   

[bunsen82]

On 1/14/2026 at 3:54 PM, Chembry said:

  

What this is saying is they checked in on Dominguez.  At that point, his price was higher than what they were willing to pay and probably will check again later, if he remains unsigned.  If he goes unsigned into late January/early February, Dominguez's asking price will more than likely come down.  

The Twins like to play the game of wait out the market, especially for RP.  Typically a $8M RP in November/December will come down to $5-6M in late January/early February.  The Twins see that as a good value.  It's a risky game though because the RPs that are left at that point all have some questions.  This year, the RP market has moved relatively quickly.  Waiting paid off last year and got good value on Danny Coulombe, who signed in early February.  

He got $20 million to be the White sox Closer.  For what was estimated in the $21 million range seems about right.  

[Chembry]

13 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

He got $20 million to be the White sox Closer.  For what was estimated in the $21 million range seems about right.  

MLBTR predicted 2/$18M, Fangraphs predicted 2/$16M, ESPN predicted 2/$15M.  

2/$20M seems a bit high, but good for the White Sox. He was probably the best arm available at this time.

[bunsen82]

13 minutes ago, Chembry said:

MLBTR predicted 2/$18M, Fangraphs predicted 2/$16M, ESPN predicted 2/$15M.  

2/$20M seems a bit high, but good for the White Sox. He was probably the best arm available at this time.

Actually I was more impressed he was able to get that much after waiting it out.  Most likely was a couple suitors.  

[Chembry]

5 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

Actually I was more impressed he was able to get that much after waiting it out.  Most likely was a couple suitors.  

I am sure you are right. 

MLBTR posted some notes on the Twins today and they reported that the Twins were discussing a Peralta trade with the Brewers...I was surprised.  So maybe they were also in a bidding war with CHW on Dominguez...That same article also mentioned the Twins have been in conversations with several relievers as of late, so we could see at least one more addition relatively soon. 

[bunsen82]

19 minutes ago, Chembry said:

I am sure you are right. 

MLBTR posted some notes on the Twins today and they reported that the Twins were discussing a Peralta trade with the Brewers...I was surprised.  So maybe they were also in a bidding war with CHW on Dominguez...That same article also mentioned the Twins have been in conversations with several relievers as of late, so we could see at least one more addition relatively soon. 

The Peralta situation is odd.  That only makes sense if we are part of 3 way trade,  we are trading a starter like Ryan and can get arbitrage value between the 2 -  that just seemed like an odd development.   

I think we were in on Dominguez and got out of our price range.   

[ashbury]

23 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

Actually I was more impressed he was able to get that much after waiting it out.  Most likely was a couple suitors.  

There is a chance it was the White Sox bidding against the Pale Hose for his services, thus driving up the price.  😁

[Chembry]

5 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

The Peralta situation is odd.  That only makes sense if we are part of 3 way trade,  we are trading a starter like Ryan and can get arbitrage value between the 2 -  that just seemed like an odd development.   

I think we were in on Dominguez and got out of our price range.   

It's an interesting development.  Here is the quote from the MLBTR article:

" Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Twins were among the teams to show some late interest in now-former Brewers ace Freddy Peralta before Milwaukee traded him to the Mets.

Given Peralta’s status as a one-year rental, it’s clearly a surprising fit. The Twins have made some relatively small additions but don’t stand as a clear contender, even in a perennially weak AL Central division. That said, Peralta’s $8MM salary would fit into even their stripped-down budget, and the Twins have a plethora of MLB-ready young arms as well as a glut of young outfielders who have either already made their MLB debut or are on the cusp of MLB readiness. Acquiring Peralta would’ve boosted their chances in the Central. Peralta could’ve been shopped again at the deadline had the season not gone their way, and he’s a clear qualifying offer recipient who’d net a team a compensatory pick upon rejecting.

It’s not clear how aggressively Minnesota pursued the idea, but it’s of at least minor note that they even looked into the possibility. The trade market has been largely picked over, particularly with MacKenzie Gore coming off the board in yesterday’s trade with the Rangers, but even faint Peralta interest suggests that the Twins could look into other moves on the buyers’ side of the trade spectrum."

Link to article: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/twins-trade-rumors-freddy-peralta-brewers.html

[The Great Hambino]

26 minutes ago, Chembry said:

It's an interesting development.  Here is the quote from the MLBTR article:

" Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Twins were among the teams to show some late interest in now-former Brewers ace Freddy Peralta before Milwaukee traded him to the Mets.

Given Peralta’s status as a one-year rental, it’s clearly a surprising fit. The Twins have made some relatively small additions but don’t stand as a clear contender, even in a perennially weak AL Central division. That said, Peralta’s $8MM salary would fit into even their stripped-down budget, and the Twins have a plethora of MLB-ready young arms as well as a glut of young outfielders who have either already made their MLB debut or are on the cusp of MLB readiness. Acquiring Peralta would’ve boosted their chances in the Central. Peralta could’ve been shopped again at the deadline had the season not gone their way, and he’s a clear qualifying offer recipient who’d net a team a compensatory pick upon rejecting.

It’s not clear how aggressively Minnesota pursued the idea, but it’s of at least minor note that they even looked into the possibility. The trade market has been largely picked over, particularly with MacKenzie Gore coming off the board in yesterday’s trade with the Rangers, but even faint Peralta interest suggests that the Twins could look into other moves on the buyers’ side of the trade spectrum."

Link to article: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/twins-trade-rumors-freddy-peralta-brewers.html

If you'd asked me "what's the weirdest kind of move the Twins could make right now?", trading for a starting pitcher with one year of control would be toward the top of that list.   Not good or bad necessarily, just ... weird.  Flies in the face of everything else they've been doing.  I'm not sure how I woulda felt about it if they'd sent, say, Culpepper and Abel out for Peralta (is that a fair approximation? I dunno).  I'd certainly have a lot of follow-up questions

But the fact that there was nothing on this until after the fact makes me think there wasn't really much to this, if anything at all.  Kinda like how Terry Ryan would talk about being "in on" all these free agents they didn't sign.  You don't get credit for thinking about almost making a move.  You either make the move or you don't.  No partial credit is given out in this course.