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Scouring the market for a capable left-handed reliever – Twins

Scouring the market for a capable left-handed reliever – Twins

To me, one of the most baffling contradictions of this Minnesota Twins team and the way they operate is the contrasting prioritization of platoon advantages, from a hitting and pitching perspective.

We all know that Rocco Baldelli likes to stack his starting lineup with opposing bats, and is strongly averse to pitting lefty hitters against lefty relievers late in the game. This is undoubtedly as much an organizational edict as it is a personal philosophy. If the Twins brass wanted Baldelli to stop using the percentages to such extremes, he would stop. Clearly, there is a shared belief that lefty hitters should not face lefty opponents late in the game.

At the same time, the club is showing little urgency when it comes to equipping their roster with quality left-handed arms that can give them the same advantage. The Twins didn’t have a left-handed start all season (except for one appearance Steven Okert as an opener). Their lefty relievers on the Opening Day roster were Okert, acquired for Nick Gordon in a low-wattage trade with Miami, and Kody Funderburka former non-prospect with 12 innings of Major League experience. An injured person waited in the wings Caleb Thielbarwho was certainly more of a safe bet than the other two, but also 37 and showing signs of decline.

All of these pitchers struggled mightily in 2024. Despite clearly being needed at the trade deadline, the front office did not add a left-handed reliever, opting to go with the right-hander. Trevor Richardswhich supposedly specialized in neutralizing LH bats with a change, but in reality was just no good.

The Twins were so desperate late in the season for the left-handed bullpen help they had acquired Cole Irvin clearing waivers and throwing him into crucial, high-leverage situations (in which he floundered) almost immediately.

It’s time for the Twins to practice what they preach about platoon advantages by bringing in a left-handed reliever who you can expect to come through. In a division that includes, among others Steven Kwan, Josh Naylor, Riley Greene And Kerry CarpenterBaldelli needs better answers, especially as the team’s minimal existing depth is drying up.

Thielbar and Okert are gone and Funderburk is back on the margins. Yes, there are some intriguing names to keep an eye on internally: Brent Headrick, Connor Prielipp, Jovani Moranand more. But there’s no doubt that helping lefty bullpens should be high on the list of offseason priorities for the Twins front office. In a cursory glance through the free agent markethere are some names that stand out to me (click to see their baseball reference pages):

Tanner Scott: The Marlins closer was an All-Star for the first time in 2024 before being traded to San Diego at the deadline, where he assisted on a playoff run. He would have a huge impact on the bullpen, but is almost certainly out of Minnesota’s price range.

Aroldis Chapman: Not a fan personally, and he’s not what you’d consider a left-wing specialist. Still, he’s worth mentioning as one of the best lefties on the market who is still three-hitting at an elite level and is having a strong year in Pittsburgh.

Aaron Bummer: If he becomes a free agent (Atlanta has a team option), Bummer is my favorite target. He has the great advantage that he has often flashed in the past. The former White Sox standout has a wipeout sweeper and we know how much the Twins love that.

Andreas Chafin: A familiar face from his days in Detroit. He has one of the most consistent long-term records you’ll see from a relief pitcher, and he’s still getting it done in his mid-30s. Still, his age and control issues may keep him relatively affordable. This one seems to meet the right criteria for the Twins.

Caleb Ferguson: The 28-year-old has been tested under the bright lights, spending six seasons with the Dodgers before splitting 2024 between the Astros and Yankees. He’s a proven performer, but is coming off one of his worst seasons (4.64 ERA), which could weigh on his price tag.

Brooks Raley: If the Twins don’t want to spend at the level of the aforementioned names, Raley may be a more realistic option. He went under Tommy John had surgery last May, so his readiness for the start of the season is questionable, but Raley has a 3.42 ERA in five seasons since returning from a stint in Korea.

Will Smith: Another possible buy-low target with some upside potential. Smith has long been known as one of the best lefty relievers in the game, an All-Star in 2019, but he has struggled in recent seasons and was very bad in 2024. He would be a project, but one with real potential . if the Twins think they have reason to believe.

Do any of these names interest you? Or would you be more inclined to rely on internal options and spend available resources elsewhere? Sound off in the comments.