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Minnesota Twins: Five players to think about trading for

By John Geiger II

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 14: A member of the grounds crew for Target Field gets water off the tarp as rain delays the start of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Seattle Mariners on May 14, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 14: A member of the grounds crew for Target Field gets water off the tarp as rain delays the start of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Seattle Mariners on May 14, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Brad Hand- Pitcher, San Diego Padres

Are you sensing a theme for the Minnesota Twins biggest needs yet? With even an average performance out of the bullpen, the Twins would find themselves in much better shape in the standings. Brad Hand is a reliever that would pay huge dividends for the Twins.

Hand’s contract runs through the 2020 season with a team option for the 2021 season, per Spotrac. That type of team control is hard to find and very valuable on the trade market. Regardless of the price, Hand is worth consideration.

Hand has been one of the most effective relievers in MLB since the start of the 2016 season. He has 192 inni7ngs pitched with a 2.53 ERA and 11.8 K/9 during that time. He is more than just a situational lefty and would help stabilize the current Twins bullpen.

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Why Hand makes sense for the Twins

The Minnesota Twins signed in Zach Duke during free agency over the Winter. With Duke and Taylor Rodgers, Minnesota entered the season with two solid lefties in the bullpen. However, things haven’t worked out the way Minnesota expected and changes need to happen.

Duke has already allowed six earned runs in only 15 innings pitched with a high 6.6 BB/9. Rodgers has been far worse during his time on the mound. He has surrendered an astonishing 11 earned runs in only 18 innings pitched and has been largely ineffective this season.

Minnesota entered the 2018 season with playoff aspirations and hope is not lost. Moves will inevitably need to be made and Hand should be at the top of the Twins wishlist. Although his contract will mean his cost is higher than a rental, Hand has shown he is worth having in your bullpen.

Hand has a 2.31 ERA through his first 23 1/3 innings pitched to start the 2018 season. Although he has allowed 12 runs, six earned, he is currently playing for the woeful Padres. However, it’s reasonable to think that if Hand has the superior defense of the Twins behind him, those numbers will be significantly better.

Next: Should the Twins do something drastic to replace Castro?

One way or another the Minnesota Twins will have to make a move to keep pace in the AL Central. These are only five players that Minnesota should show interest in. Any of these five players will help the Twins get things headed back in the right direction this season.

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