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Minnesota Twins: Five potential bullpen targets at the MLB trade deadline

By Chris Schad

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Will Smith #13 of the San Francisco Giants shakes hands with Buster Posey #28 after they won their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park on June 28, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Will Smith #13 of the San Francisco Giants shakes hands with Buster Posey #28 after they won their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park on June 28, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 07: Tony Watson #56 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the seventh inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 07: Tony Watson #56 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the seventh inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Tony Watson – San Francisco Giants

If the Twins make a trade between now and the trade deadline, the most likely partner will be the Giants. As previously mentioned, they have a strong starter with postseason experience in Bumgarner and the top relief option on the market in Smith. However, the Twins may be interested in enhancing the path to the end of the game, which makes Tony Watson make sense.

Watson has put together a strong season for the Giants compiling a 2.48 ERA, but his strikeout numbers of 24 in 32 2/3 innings is quite deceiving. Thanks to his control, which has seen him walk just four batters this season, he’s had a 42.9% chase rate in 2019 which has helped him get out of clutch situations.

As with most of these targets, the one set back could be the cost, which has Watson making $6.5 million thanks to an appearance clause that the left-hander reached last season. The deal could also have him making up to $9 million if he hits said clauses this season.

Next. 5 Potential Trade Chips for the Minnesota Twins. dark

At this point, the Twins should not be backing away from a deal financially, so if the price is right, Watson could make a nice upgrade in the seventh and eighth innings.

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