Bullpen May No Longer Be The Twins Number One Need

[Cody Pirkl]

Image courtesy of Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Twins’ bullpen has been an obvious weak spot since before the season even began. Even a few weeks ago, the hope was that the team could stay in contention long enough to acquire several relievers at the trade deadline. While acquiring at least one more reliever may be wise, after acquiring left-handed reliever AJ Minter on Friday, it can be argued that it’s no longer the Twins' number one priority.

The Twins prided themselves on their ability to find relievers internally or without spending much after trading away much of the controllable bullpen at last year’s trade deadline sell-off. It took some time, but we’re seeing some signs of this. Yoendrys Gomez has been a savior in the closer role after being claimed off waivers. Andrew Morris has been as good as any reliever in baseball over the last month. Recently acquired Tommy Nance has served as a setup man, and lower-level relievers such as Travis Adams and Jack Anderson have started to show flashes.

 

Add in Minter, who is arguably now the third-best reliever in the bullpen, and things are starting to look up. The Twins are still in the bottom five in bullpen ERA in baseball, but things are trending in the right direction. If another deal like the one for Minter presents itself, they should jump at the opportunity. Perhaps that shouldn’t be the team’s number one priority, however.

On the flip side of the bullpen, the starting rotation is suddenly riddled with enormous questions. Bailey Ober is struggling to hit 87 mph on his fastball in the middle innings of starts. Zebby Matthews does not look like the pitcher who shot through the minor leagues a few years ago and has been blow-up-prone lately. Connor Prielipp has already surpassed his career high in innings pitched in a season. Joe Ryan’s historical second-half struggles suddenly appear front and center. Perhaps the Twins’ number one priority should be starting pitching.

The level of starter the Twins look to acquire can be flexible. If the market for playoff-caliber starters is too costly, even a back-end arm to ensure they have the innings covered the rest of the way could make all the difference. If they find a deal they like for a starting pitcher with multiple years of team control, they could certainly benefit from another rotation member beyond 2026 as well.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to starting pitchers currently on the trade block. While even uninspiring options will cost more than a good reliever, there are plenty of realistic arms that can be brought in. Someone like Robbie Ray would be incredibly cheap if the Twins were willing to eat the remainder of his contract (approximately $8.3M for the rest of 2026) as they did with Minter. The same could be said for someone like Dustin May or Brady Singer if the Twins are concerned with filling innings.

If they choose to pursue the more expensive route in search of arms that can help beyond 2026, several names should be available. The Twins have long been rumored to be interested in Angels LHP Reid Detmers. The Mariners have been telling teams Emerson Hancock is available amidst a breakout season. The prospect capital would be higher, but the Twins need MLB-ready rotation options both now and into 2027.

Whatever path the Twins take, if they’re buying, they should strongly consider adding to their rotation that appears to be on the brink of the wheels completely falling off. Perhaps grab another reliever, but make sure the team has the starting pitching to turn the ball over to an improved bullpen with a chance to win.

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Do you agree? Got some other names the team should target? Let's hear them in the comments. 

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[Road trip]

Robbie Ray would be a good test of ownership's willingness to spend.  He's owed roughly 8 million more dollars.  He probably could get about 10 more starts this year?  If he costs next to nothing in prospects due to his salary, surely they would spend 800k per start? 😁

[mike8791]

Couldn't agree more!  The Twins are now fringe playoff contenders.  I know, only one game behind in WC race, but with glaring holes everywhere.  The pen has stabilized somewhat and the additions of Nance and now Minter will help.  It's not a great pen, but it's no longer the albatross it was earlier.  No one knows whether guys like Morris and Gomez will wilt in a playoff chase, but so far so good.

The fact is, the Twins have only so many tradeable assets.  A proven rotation arm would be a big help to a depleted staff that seems to be tottering.  Unfortunately, the offense is also a major problem.  With the exception of two miracle 9th inning comebacks against the Royals, the bats have been silent.  So trading in-demand assets like Jeffers or Larnach, especially with Buxton out, seems increasingly unlikely. 

Now the Twins seemingly must draw to an inside straight to become genuine contenders.  They need a starter and some more punch.  If Larnach and Jeffers are retained, they must be willing to make some top 10 prospects available and be willing to take on additional salary.  Robbie Ray would be a much needed addition but someone like ERod or Gonzales or Tait would probably be required.  As for offense, a middle-of-the lineup guy will be even harder to obtain.  The Twins would probably have to offer someone like Keaschall, Lee or Lewis in addition to prospects to land a significant offensive force.  Is all this possible?  Yes, but it will take some outstanding ability to accomplish it.  Is Zoll up to the task?

[Permanent Twins Fan]

I think bullpen is still 1a but the rotation is definitely 1b right behind it. Another starter and a reliever and I am happy.

[nicksaviking]

I'd say no to May and Singer as they're ground ball specialists and the Twins infield, uh, isn't.

I could do Ray, but if the team is eating salary to prove a point, give me Kevin Gausman and his strikeouts.

[Coach]

Before the beginning of the season, we had an overabundance of quality arms.  We got into the perfect storm. but some how we have stayed afloat.  I still regret the early bullpen decisions, but to the Twins credit they did not hang on to the sinking life raft, but instead have SOS'd relief.  Bring us to shore. And hopefully after Monday, tighten and right the ship

[JD-TWINS]

STARTER should be the Priority.

Starter displaces a current starter and that guy moves to the PEN.

Byron Buxton hasn’t hit a Home Run since June 24………he has 3 RBI since June 26th. He’s played 15 games since June 22 with another 9 to be missed on this road trip. OFFENSE, even with keeping Jeffers & Larnach, should be addressed in a Big way. I best the drum daily for Luis Arraez, a stabilizer in the middle of the line-up. Covers 2B & Clemens plays corner OF daily.

Larnach & Keaschall to DH …….. Bell/Wallner/prospect for somebody that can pitch - this year or in the future.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I think a good quality starter is actually a pretty massive need. The only starter I really trust to go 5 or more most of the rest of the way is Bradley. I HOPE Ryan can get back into his groove. I do think Ober can be ok, but I don't know how much I trust Prielipp MOSTLY with his supposed innings limit at some point.

And then Zebby; he can look really solid at some points and really like giving batting practice at others. Wouldn't be shocked if he transitions to the bullpen after this year.

If Rojas suddenly becomes a thing in the rotation that would be awesome.

But yeah, if they can add someone who can at least slot between Ryan and Ober, even better between Bradley and Ryan, then go for it.

[sthpstm]

The thing about trading for an arm like Detmers or Hancock with control beyond this season is it allows the team to more easily explore trades of Ryan or Ober in the offseason and recoup (at least some of) the prospect capital they spend now. And with Lopez, and Abel (and Festa) returning they should be able to subtract an arm IF they add a controllable starter now.

[PuckettProtector]

If Matthews isn't transitioned to the bullpen he should absolutely be on the table in a package for an established veteran.   We've seen what he is and that is not a starting pitcher. 

[JD-TWINS]

27 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'd say no to May and Singer as they're ground ball specialists and the Twins infield, uh, isn't.

I could do Ray, but if the team is eating salary to prove a point, give me Kevin Gausman and his strikeouts.

I’ll have to look but I think Ray’s ‘26 shines in comparison to Gausman’s ‘26?

Ray 10-6 with a 3.08ERA & 2,0 WAR

Gausman 4-10 with a 4.58ERA & 1.0 WAR

(not getting Kevin Gausman of yesteryear at this point)

[mnfireman]

1 minute ago, JD-TWINS said:

I’ll have to look but I think Ray’s ‘26 shines in comparison to Gausman’s ‘26?

Ray 10-6 with a 3.08ERA & 2,0 WAR

Gausman 4-10 with a 4.58ERA & 1.0 WAR

(not getting Kevin Gausman of yesteryear at this point)

If you use Fan Graphs, Ray has 1.0 fWAR, Gausman has 2.4 fWAR...

[MileHighTwinsFan]

If you can get a middle of the rotation arm under team control, I would do it in a minute.  It would fill an immediate need and provide more depth for next year.  They may need to part with a high level prospect to get it done, but minor league depth is a strength. I would love to add a right handed power bat that destroys left handed pitching to platoon for Larnach.  I think that Martin and Keaschall are redundant and neither hits for power.  I think one of them probably needs to get sent down to make room for another bat.  

[weitz41]

To me the starters are a bigger issue then the BP at this point. No, the BP isn't the Royals 2015 BP. It's gone from disaster to we can do this. Credit should go to LaTroy and maybe even Maki. A lot of great work there between the players and the coaches.

To get to the article. How much are you willing to invest in this (really) small chance to medium chance to get into the playoffs and beyond? I'm limiting to not the top 15 prospects if it's a rental player. Pick your site you prefer for rankings. Ray count me in. Would be a great add. Cy Young winner and leftie. Yes plz. For some reason I like much cheaper options for my second starter add. Singer, Springs and maybe May.

Prielipp or Matthews to the BP. If any more injuries one of them takes that spot the other fills the BP opening.

One last thing. the Twins need the #5-#6 guy in the line up to hit a 6th-7th inning 2-3 run homer. Georger Springer would fit that well. He can handle LF in a playoff game...maybe...

[JD-TWINS]

43 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

If you use Fan Graphs, Ray has 1.0 fWAR, Gausman has 2.4 fWAR...

I’ll take ERA and forget about WAR.