Ken Giles – Toronto Blue Jays
If the Twins can’t pull off a deal for Smith, they might be able to go north of the border and come away with a reliever that’s been even more dominant than Smith has been this year.
Ken Giles came over to the Toronto Blue Jays after a rocky 2 1/2 years with the Houston Astros and has found himself over the past couple seasons. The right-hander has put together a 1.24 ERA and 12 saves in 29 innings this season and has slammed the door on opponents with a WHIP of 1.00.
Digging deeper, Giles has allowed a higher batting average than Smith this season at .198, but has also racked up 15.83 strikeouts per nine innings. Giles’ sample size is a little smaller thanks to a stint on the injured list with elbow inflammation, but he’s been just as dominant and also has more familiarity with the American League.
HIs previous elbow injury is a concern, but his stint only lasted the minimum 10 days before going back at it. Giles won’t come cheap, but he would be another nice addition to the Twins bullpen.