After an Injury Barrage, How Much Starting Pitching Depth is Left for the Twins?

The Twins opted not to trade for starting pitching at the 2024 trade deadline, a decision influenced by several factors. The front office believed in the strength and depth of in-house options. Additionally, the trade market was highly competitive, with steep prices for top-tier pitchers, making it challenging to find a deal that aligned with the Twins' long-term goals without sacrificing significant prospects. Consequently, the team chose to rely on its existing stockpile of arms, banking on their talent and the potential for improvements from within the organization to carry them through the season's second half.

Minnesota has already been forced to add many young starters to the big-league roster, including Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Louie Varland. So, what’s left in the minor leagues, if the team is forced to dig deeper down their organizational depth chart by yet another injury?

Andrew Morris, RHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Morris is an intriguing right-handed pitching prospect, known for his competitive edge and advanced pitch mix. A product of Texas Tech, Morris has a fastball that consistently sits in the mid-90s, paired with a solid slider and a developing changeup. His ability to attack hitters with a diverse arsenal has allowed him to post strong strikeout numbers in the minors. Though still refining his command, Morris's performance has forced the Twins to promote him from High-A to Triple-A this season, following closely in the wake of Matthews. His aggressive approach on the mound and ability to generate swings and misses make him a potential asset for the big-league squad as they seek to bolster their pitching depth.

Caleb Boushley, RHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Other names on this list are more exciting than Boushley. Still, his veteran status might be something the Twins are forced to rely on in the coming weeks. A right-handed pitcher with experience as both a starter and reliever in the minors, Boushley provides valuable flexibility. His ability to pitch multiple innings could be crucial in long relief roles, especially when the bullpen is taxed due to short outings by starters or extra-inning games. Additionally, Boushley’s consistent performance and ability to limit walks make him a potential option for spot starts or to fill in for injured pitchers. 

Brent Headrick, LHP
Current Level: Triple-A
Headrick is a left-handed pitcher who has been on the injured list since the season's first month. He has started working his way back by pitching in the instructional league, making him a potential second-half option. He was expected to impact the Twins’ roster this season, but his forearm issues have hindered his ability to return to action. His solid strikeout rates and low walk totals at the minor-league level suggest a readiness to contribute at the big-league level, potentially as a versatile arm in the bullpen or as a spot starter. Headrick's poise on the mound and ability to adapt could give the Twins a valuable depth option as they navigate the demands of a long season, if he proves to be asyptomatic as he rehabs.

Marco Raya, RHP
Current Level: Double-A
Raya has been one of the organization’s top pitching prospects in recent years, known for his electric arm and advanced pitchability at a young age. His ability to generate high spin rates on his pitches adds to his potential, making him a strikeout threat (26.1 K% in 2024). Raya's poise and maturity on the mound are impressive for his age, and he has shown the ability to handle more advanced hitters as he progresses through the system. The Twins have been careful with his usage, limiting his innings and pitch counts. While he is still refining his command and building durability, his upside is significant.

Cory Lewis, RHP
Current Level: Double-A
Last season, Twins Daily named Lewis the organization’s Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year. He posted a 2.49 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 in over 100 innings between Low- and High-A. Lewis was sidelined to start the 2024 campaign due to a shoulder injury, but he has made nine appearances at Double-A since coming off the IL. What makes Lewis particularly intriguing is his feel for pitching and his ability to mix pitches effectively. With his polished approach and advanced understanding of how to attack hitters, Lewis has the potential to move quickly through the system and could eventually develop into a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Twins.

Will the Twins need to rely on any of these arms before the season ends? Who is the next player to get the call? Which pitcher has the highest upside? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!