Looking Back at Michael Pineda’s Twins Tenure

Have never been a huge fan of the Twins signing Pineda, twice.  Yet, so often I look at a box score following his start and think...that was a solid outing. 

Not being around the team, I don't know what his presence means to the locker room.  Some could argue that with their record this year no one meant a lot in the locker room.  But recent reports seem to indicate that he maintains a large presence, which could be more important in 2022 should there be several young starters.

It appears that Pineda likes the Twins and the Minneapolis area.  It also seems that the FO likes big Mike.  So I will not be surprised when/if the Twins announce that he has been signed to another two year deal for similar dollars as the last.  Some combination of Pineda, Ober and Ryan could be a solid #2-#3-#4 for 2022.  If Ryan develops like we hope, they could be better than solid!

In 5 seasons for this front office the best free agent pitcher they have added is Michael Pineda. He's missed a season and a half due to injuries and suspension and he's still the best free agent pitcher they have added in 5 seasons. I really hope he's not the best free agent pitcher they acquire in the upcoming offseason.

I would look to bring him back.  He may not be a top end guy, but he is above replacement value.  I also feel you need at least 1 or 2 vets in the rotation over the long season.  I do hope we have a bit more of a youth movement in the starting pitching, but bringing him back would be fine by me.  

I'd bring him back. He's pitched well for the team, likes it here, is well-liked by the franchise, and could probably be had on a 1-2 year deal for a pretty reasonable price. (1 year at $8M?) He'd be good to help bridge time with the younger starters coming along. If you plan for him to only throw 100-150 innings, you should be fine.

If this is it, he goes out winning his last 4 decisions in a row.  But it seems like he will be back. For a similar contract with maybe a few more dollars is fine see my blog on guessing his next contract.

Expect good, but not great, and sign him up.

I really hope so. Especially because he likes it here so much. Wether they contend or not, I see it as a perfect fit. Good veteran armor mentor the rookies, great clubhouse guy, and not to mention he’s a pretty solid pitcher.

Who knows what the FO will do?  I'm worried that not only will they not spend much this off season, but that the budget may be significantly cut.  I hope I'm wrong.  Pineada should be signed for another year or two.  My god we need pitching.  Let's just stay out of the dumpster for free agent pitchers this year.  It doesn't work too often.

Easy call. Bring him back. It won't break the bank. I'd say first priority is extending Buxton. Second is pitching. Pineda by all accounts is good in the clubhouse. He can fill one of the five starting spots with good value if he stays healthy. Easy call.

Looks like the only locks for the rotation next year are Ober and Ryan. Pineda would be a solid addition again and add some stability when you start looking at guys like Jax, Dobnak, Gant, Barnes, and some of the other lesser desirables they have to throw out there. If there isn't a couple of other BIG moves made to add to the rotation for 2022 then Big Mike should be considered. I think the FO will punt for the 2022 season with it's eyes towards 2023. 

I’m not sure signing a 32 year old, who will be 33 when the season starts pitcher who just posted a career low K% and velocity, who also missed a lot of time with nagging injuries is adding stability.

They spent 8 mil on JA Happ. I'd say that Pineda is a better look than that even at his age and availability.