As the Minnesota Twins aim to improve the bullpen after an epic collapse last season, there are a handful of free agent pitchers who offer a mix of experience, strikeout potential, and the ability to neutralize opposing batters in critical moments.
Taking out some of the higher priced options, because we all know the Pohlad's won't be opening the checkbook too wide, Minnesota has options among pitchers who are either fairly priced due to age or because they're coming off injury -- two absolute staples the Twins seem to always value when bargain shopping.
With a payroll that's not expected to expand much, the value buys are going to be where Minnesota looks but that doesn't mean there isn't some nice talent available.
Top free agent pitchers the Minnesota Twins need to target
Kirby Yates
2024 Team: Texas Rangers
At 38, Yates is an All-Star veteran with a proven track record as a closer. Known for his electric fastball and slider, Yates has been dominant when healthy, even in his later years. Despite his age, his experience in the ninth inning and strikeout potential would be valuable for the Twins, particularly if they are looking for stability at the back of their bullpen.
Buck Farmer
2024 Team: Cincinnati Reds
Farmer has emerged as a reliable middle reliever in recent seasons, demonstrating solid control and a strong ground-ball rate. His ability to manage innings and avoid big innings, could provide depth in the middle innings and offer flexibility to the Twins' bullpen.
Tim Mayza
2024 Team: New York Yankees
A left-handed specialist, Mayza has proven his worth by excelling against left-handed batters. His past ability to get tough outs against lefty-heavy lineups could make him a valuable addition to the Twins' bullpen.
Scott Barlow
2024 Team: Cleveland Guardians
Barlow, has been a consistent performer. Known for his ability to generate strikeouts and maintain control, Barlow has the makeup of a setup man. His versatility in managing high-leverage innings would be an asset. He had tougher 2nd half of 2024 which may make him ripe for the picking.
Trevor Gott
2024 Team: Oakland A's
Gott is a hard-throwing right-hander who can eat up innings in middle relief. He has the ability to generate ground balls and limit base runners.
His strikeout rate and experience would provide the Twins with much-needed depth in their bullpen. Coming off Tommy John surgery that wiped out his entire 2024 season with the A's, so his price tag may be right to take a gamble on.
Brooks Raley
2024 Team: New York Mets
A lefty who has been reliable in high-leverage situations. His ability to handle difficult left-handed hitters would make him a valuable addition to the Twins’ bullpen, particularly against tough lefty-heavy lineups.
Blake Treinen
2024 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Treinen possesses one of the most electric sinkers in baseball. His ability to generate ground balls and get key outs in tight situations could make him an ideal setup man or closer for the Twins. Though his age may raise concerns, his ability to miss bats and handle pressure would be a significant asset.
Jordan Romano
2024 Team: Toronto Blue Jays
A hard-throwing closer with a fastball that consistently hits the high 90s. Romano’s price tag might be too steep but he'd definitely bolster the back end of the Twins’ bullpen if his value drops from a 2024 injury plagued season.
Héctor Neris
2024 Team: Chicago Cubs/Houston Astros
A seasoned veteran with a devastating splitter, Neris’ strikeout ability and experience in late innings would add both depth and stability to the bullpen. He was a great piece of the Astros bullpen last year but flamed out in the playoffs against the Twins and then didn't stick with the Cubs after signing in Chicago over the winter.
There's inherent risk in bringing Neris in, but he fits the bill as an upgrade over guys like Steven Okert and Josh Staumont who were brought in for similar roles last year.
Andrew Chafin
2024 Team: Detroit Tigers/Texas Rangers
Another left-handed option who brings a strong track record of getting tough outs against both lefties and righties. His versatility makes him an option for the Twins. Chafin could be an ideal bridge from the starter to the closer, offering reliability in critical moments.
By potentially targeting these 10 free-agent relief pitchers, the Minnesota Twins could significantly enhance their bullpen for the 2025 season. Whether it's adding depth, closing experience, or specialist arms, each of these pitchers has the ability to contribute. They could provide the Twins with a well-rounded and formidable bullpen for the upcoming season.
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