Minnesota Twins: Should Twins be done with bullpen additions?

Yes, the Minnesota Twins are done adding bullpen arms for money reasons

Combined, the Twins have spent roughly ~$6 million in 2018 funds on signing both Rodney and Duke, and while there are still some bargains out there to be had along those lines, those are not the additions that will truly improve the bullpen.

This winter’s market has seen established middle relievers like Bryan Shaw hauling in $9 million per season over 3 guaranteed years when he signed. Even veteran Joe Smith, who has pitched for four teams over the past two seasons, was able to secure a multi-year deal that averaged $7.5 million.

Relievers this winter have been paid quite handsomely, and the ones that are left on the board are the best of the best available – Wade Davis, Greg Holland, and Addison Reed. Those guys aren’t going to be getting anything resembling a “bargain” deal.

The Twins also are making overtures to a number of starting pitcher free agents, and the finances that they have available would be best held until it’s known what would be required in those markets as the relief market really has moved to less of a priority.

It’s certainly feasible that signing two starting pitchers would leave some financial room to then pursue another relief pitcher, but then you’re likely looking in the bargain bin, rather in the top end of the market, very probably offering a minor league deal or a cheap flyer contract to someone who hasn’t gotten a deal yet, not a top-money contract to someone like Davis, Reed, or Holland.

Of course, the team could say they were done for another reason…

Next: Yes, for youth