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Minnesota Twins: Selecting the best fits for 5 Twins trade candidates

By Nate Palmer

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 11: Manager Paul Molitor #4 of the Minnesota Twins looks on as starting pitcher Lance Lynn #31 is checked by medical staff during the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 11: Manager Paul Molitor #4 of the Minnesota Twins looks on as starting pitcher Lance Lynn #31 is checked by medical staff during the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 12: Fernando Rodney #56 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after recording his 14th save in a 6-4 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 12, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

RP Fernando Rodney

The Twins needed a closer this offseason. It is probably safe to say that many of us expected the Twins to not make any significant splashes in the reliever market and instead try to fill from within like they had for seasons. The Twins surprised many by making three relief pitcher additions, one of which was the ageless wonder, Fernando Rodney.

Rodney has certainly in many ways wore out his welcome with many Twins fans. Amongst the frustration that he brings with him to the mound, he still brings plenty of value to a contending team. The long time closer continues to rack up saves and is climbing the all-time saves leaderboard now sitting 19th all-time with 320 career saves.

This season Rodney has appeared in 34 games, tossed 32.1 innings, owns a 3.06 ERA, 20 saves and 36 strikeouts. Of course what stands out to most are his struggles on the way to those numbers, including five blown saves.

As stated with Duke, there are always contending teams that are looking to bolster their bullpen depth. The Houston Astros still don’t really have a closer, we know the Boston Red Sox are checking out relievers along with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Those are just some of the rumors we have heard as the trade deadline approaches.

Maybe it is just the rumor mill speaking loudly in my head, but the Red Sox seem like a good fit for Rodney. They don’t need to rely on him sice they already have a very good closer in place (Craig Kimbrel) and several other good bullpen pieces around him. The New York Yankees proved how valuable a deep bullpen can be last postseason and Rodney would certainly deepen an already strong group. Plus they have leadership in Dave Dombrowski who knows exactly who they are getting in the veteran reliever from their time in Detroit together.

Trade Partner: Boston Red Sox

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