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Last season, the Twins targeted Jorge Lopez on the trade market because he came with multiple years of team control and had performed tremendously well in the first half. He was one of the best available relievers on the market, and the Twins had to give up significant value to acquire him. So far, this trade hasn't worked out in the team's favor, but it shouldn't stop the front office from trying to improve the 2023 squad.
Recently, MLB Trade Rumors released their ranking of the top 50 deadline trade candidates. As part of this ranking, they try to balance a player's trade value and the likelihood of that player being dealt. Shohei Ohtani is a pending free agent and could fetch the Angels a king's ransom on the trade market. However, he isn't ranked first on their list because there is no guarantee the Angels will move him. Let's explore five reliever trade options for the Twins.
RHP Scott Barlow, Kansas City Royals
MLBTR Ranking: 3
Barlow became the top available reliever after the Royals dealt Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers. He is an intriguing option because an acquiring team can control him via arbitration for the 2024 season. Barlow was one of baseball's best relievers in 2021-22, combining for a 2.30 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 10.2 K/9. His 2023 numbers could be better, which might be one reason Kansas City wants to move him before the deadline. He has posted a 4.22 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP, but his 3.32 FIP is almost a run lower than his ERA. As the top available reliever, it seems likely for another team to make a more significant offer than Minnesota.
RHP David Robertson, New York Mets
MLBTR Ranking: 7
The Mets have fallen short of their lofty preseason expectations, so that the club might become sellers before the deadline. Robertson is one of the best relievers of this generation, and he's rediscovered his All-Star former over the last two seasons. In 102 innings, he's posted a 2.21 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 11.9 K/9. The Mets have used Robertson as the team's primary closer since Edwin Diaz suffered his knee injury. In his age-38 season, Robertson likely wants another shot at a World Series ring, which won't happen in Queens. He's only under team control through the end of the season, but that might bring down his asking price to one the Twins are willing to pay.
LHP Brooks Raley, New York Mets
MLBTR Ranking: 15
Raley didn't pitch in the big leagues from 2013 to 2020, but he's rebuilt himself into a reliable option in his mid-30s. Raley is the top-ranked left-handed reliever according to MLBTR, and he's under team control through 2024. Both of these traits make him a more likely trade target for the Twins. His club option for next season is $6.25 million, which is a little high for the Twins' budget. In 2023, he has a 2.35 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 10.0 K/9. His 4.01 FIP is significantly higher than his ERA, so this might point to some regression in the second half. He has plenty of late-inning experience and might cost less in prospect capital than the players ranked ahead of him.
RHP Jose Cisnero, Detroit Tigers
MLBTR Ranking: 28
Cisnero has posted strong numbers over the last three seasons for the Tigers. From 2021-23, he posted a 2.71 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and 9.1 K/9. He is an impending free agent, and some peripheral numbers indicate an even better performance. His average exit velocity, barrel %, xBA, and xSLG all rank in the 75th percentile or higher. The Tigers are in third place in the AL Central, so there is no guarantee that the team will be sellers at the deadline.
RHP Michael Fulmer, Chicago Cubs
MLBTR Ranking: 31
Minnesota traded for Fulmer at last year's trade deadline, but he left in free agency last winter. His Cubs tenure started slowly with a 7.84 ERA and an .894 OPS through his first 23 appearances. Over his last 16 appearances, he has only allowed two earned runs while batters have hit .158/.254/.263 (.517) against him. There was some indication the Twins didn't want to bring Fulmer back entering the 2023 season, but their opinion might have changed based on his more recent performance.
Which reliever is the best fit for the Twins? Do any of the other relievers on MLBTR's list seem like fits in Minnesota? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
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