Organizational Depth: A Look at Pitching Throughout the Twins System

I 100% expect Varland to be a high leverage reliever, as I'm certain they will bring at least one starter in to complete the rotation.

I'm also really excited for Festa and Lewis and Ohl. I think all of them could theoretically get start(s) this year, and all have really exciting stuff.

Fun to see legitimate depth that isn't far away.

I think the Twins are in the best shape they have been for starters heading into the offseason.  I think they need one more starter though as that could give the bullpen a boost by putting Varland in the pen.  I am hoping Festa looks like a usable option as the season wears on.  He has the stuff, but he does seem to wear down as the pitch count mounts.  Ohl is a wild card.  He doesn't appear to have much for plus pitches, but he attacks and gets the job done. If that carries over to AAA he could help later in the season as well.  Raya has ton's of plus pitches but tends to still give up too much contact.  If he improves that this year he might be the best of the bunch.  Not sure how many innings he can go, but he could be a pen arm down the stretch if needed. A lot has to go right for Festa, Ohl, Raya to contribute, but at least the potential is there.

I don't trust the backup pen arms in Sands, Winder, Balazovich, Headrick, and Henriquez.  They all were inconsistent last year.  The FO was depending on those arms to improve, but they stayed flat IMO.  Those guys need to bring it this year as Festa, Ohl, Raya and possibly Lewis are nipping at their heals.  I am hoping the Twins can find at least one more veteran arm for the pen and preferably a high end one.  Also hoping Canterino comes back strong and take a role in the pen as well.

As this article points out the Twins have never had this level of higher quality pitching depth probably ever.  Still they need to keep improving.

I would pump the brakes on Varland moving to the bullpen.  He has stated his preference is to be a starter.  He was fine doing it late in the season to help the team and be in the big leagues.  I think the Twins will give him a chance to make their rotation this spring.  If he is beaten out, then the option of being moved to the bullpen and staying in the big leagues can be considered.  Personally, I think there is a strong chance he could developed into very good starter.  I would afford him that opportunity.

Great summary! The fact the Twins didn't need to add any pitchers to the 40-man this off-season to protect them from Rule V shows their hitting side is much further along than the arms (who are either too injured, too young, or too fungible to be targets). Another indicator that a trade/FA acquisition (even for depth) of hitter for starting pitcher is likely.