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What’s next for the Minnesota Twins after missing out on Craig Kimbrel?

By Tyler Kruse

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 15: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 15, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 15: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 15, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 27: Blake Treinen #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 27, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 27: Blake Treinen #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 27, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Blake Treinen

The Oakland Athletics had the breakout pitcher of the year last year in Blake Treinen who pitched to the tune of a .78 ERA. An absolutely incredible earned run average considering the fact that he pitched 80 innings in relief for the A’s. Another remarkable statistic is the 7 earned runs given up last year throughout the entire season, especially since he’s already at 11 this year.

Though Blake has taken a step back from his 2018 campaign, it’s rather difficult to keep up with the gaudy numbers he was able to post last year. His ERA is still very respectable at 3.26 with 31 strikeouts in a little over 30 innings pitched. Treinen throws a nasty sinker that typically sits around 97 MPH, a number you love to see in a pitching age dominated by hard throwing pitchers.

Oakland is still hanging tough in the AL west race but have perennial powerhouse Houston to deal with, a tall task for a team already 11 games back. Taking into account how crowded the wild-card will be come October, the A’s may be looking to recoup some prospects for a pitcher more than deserving of pitching for a contender.

If the Twins do land Treinen, they could be set at the closer spot for a couple of years because the big right-handed pitcher won’t become a free agent until 2021. If the Twins stick to their postseason path, keep an eye on this outstanding arm from Oakland.

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